Rio faith in Rooney return

Rio Ferdinand insists the England squad have total faith in their medical team to manage Wayne Rooney’s return.

Rooney, 20, played for England on Thursday, after just six weeks and five days out with a broken foot.

He came on as a substitute against Trinidad and Tobago and tested out his injury by throwing himself about with his usual aggression.

Ferdinand said: “’Wazza’ is not the type of person to hold back and we have to trust in the medical staff.

“He wouldn’t be on the pitch if there was a possibility that he would be injured by one quick and innocuous challenge.

“He’s very good physically. He’s one of the fittest at Manchester United - other than myself of course.

“People talk about this and that but he runs more than anybody in our team and that’s probably true with England as well.”

Rooney replaced Michael Owen after 58 minutes against the Caribbean side but found it hard to reach the pace of the game.

Ferdinand said: “He did all that was asked of him. The most important thing for him at the moment is fitness.

“It would be nice if he could get a goal but he didn’t have a chance today.

“He did a couple of nice little touches but I’m sure he’ll tell you himself there’s always room for improvement.”

Rooney’s return to fitness had been the subject of great debate up until a few hours before the Trinidad and Tobago game, in Nuremberg.

Two medical experts were flown from the UK to Germany to examine him before boss Sven-Goran Eriksson decided he would play. Rooney could again be involved on Tuesday when England, having ensured qualification to the second round, face Sweden in a match which will decide the winners of Group B.

Ferdinand, 27, said: “I thought he wasn’t playing. We were having our stretch in the morning and I thought he wasn’t able to play for whatever reason.

“Then I spoke to him and he said he could play. He was buzzing.

“He’s just happy to play like any young lad who has just got back from injury and played his first game in a World Cup.

“It’s fantastic for him. The same goes for Aaron Lennon and Stewart Downing.

“They’re all young and it’s great for them to get out on the pitch.”