Eriksson: Fans will not influence me

Sven-Goran Eriksson insists the England fans will not influence his decision to bring back Wayne Rooney.

England supporters chanted Rooney’s name as the team lost their way in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Paraguay.

Many fans stayed behind after the game to see the Manchester United striker practice on the pitch.

Eriksson says he is “optimistic” Rooney could play some part in Thursday’s game against Trinidad and Tobago but that decision will come from the England coaching team not the supporters.

Eriksson said: “It can’t have an effect on me. I have my coaches, my fitness coach and my physios and we have to decide together: ‘Okay it’s time’.”

The England boss, however, will not rule out the idea of Rooney returning against Trinidad and Tobago in Nuremberg.

Asked whether Rooney would appear, Eriksson said: “I’m very optimistic, always. I’m born like that. We have to decide that day by day, to be honest.”

Rooney, 20, returned to full training last Thursday after a foot scan showed his broken metatarsal bone was healed. He has been out of action for more than six weeks.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson will be furious if his striker does make his World Cup debut against Trinidad and Tobago.

Ferguson wanted Eriksson to keep Rooney wrapped in cotton wool until the knock-out stages but the pair did not agree.

Instead, Eriksson said Rooney would play as soon as he was “match-fit”.

The England boss promised to invite an independent expert to look at Rooney’s fitness before he played.

This was in an attempt to placate Ferguson and prove he was not taking an undue risk with the player’s long-term fitness but it is unlikely to soothe United’s fury.

Rooney trained yesterday, along with the other England players not heavily involved against Paraguay. All the players have today off.

Rio Ferdinand heard the supporters calling for Rooney and admitted his United team-mate had been “desperate” to play.

Ferdinand said: “I heard them. The fans love Wazza and he’s a great player. He’s in good spirits and doing well, so fingers crossed he’ll be able to play a part soon. He was desperate to get on the pitch. That’s just the exuberance of being a young chap.”

Eriksson’s judgment on Rooney may be linked to Michael Owen’s lukewarm form.

Owen has not found his rhythm since returning from his broken foot and was substituted 55 minutes into the Paraguay game.

Eriksson said: “At the beginning of the second half, we didn’t give him the support he needs.

“But how many games has he played? Four. It’s good. I’m sure Michael Owen will get better and better by playing. We have time.”

Eriksson’s problems up front were complicated when Theo Walcott limped out of training with a calf injury yesterday.

Walcott, 17, took a kick on the calf but is expected to be fine when the players return to training tomorrow.

The England boss said he considered sending Walcott on for Owen against Paraguay.

But he decided it too early in the tournament for the teenager and Stewart Downing went on, with Joe Cole moving up front.

Eriksson said: “We thought about it, but it was the first game in the World Cup. Let’s have more training, let’s go on with the World Cup a little bit.

“I think it is a big responsibility to start or to come on in the first game of the World Cup.”