Ferguson backs Eriksson over 'forlorn hope' Rooney

Alex Ferguson believes England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has little option but to include Wayne Rooney in his World Cup squad today – although he maintains it is a “forlorn hope” that the forward will be fit for the finals in Germany.

Eriksson, scheduled to name a 23-man squad this afternoon which he has long said will “probably” contain Rooney despite his broken foot, can be assured the player’s club manager subscribes to that policy.