'Rooney has broken more than a bone'

It could take a "miracle" for the England centre-forward to play at the World Cup in Germany, feels coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Striker Wayne Rooney has broken more than one bone in his foot and it could take a "miracle" for him to play at the World Cup, England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said on Wednesday.

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Asked if the Manchester United forward still had a chance of going to the finals, Eriksson said: "I think so. Miracles happen in life now and then .. but I really don't know."

Pressed as to whether a miracle was needed after Saturday's injury against Chelsea, the Swede said: "Maybe. That it was more than one (bone) I knew yesterday," Eriksson said.

Eriksson told reporters he still expected to name the inspirational 20-year-old in his preliminary squad next Monday for the World Cup which starts on June 9.

"I would be stupid to say that it is not bad if he can't play at the World Cup. It would be like Brazil missing Ronaldinho, France missing (Thierry) Henry -- he's one of our absolute best players.

"But anyhow, we have a very good team, a very good squad and I'm convinced we are going to do a very, very good World Cup anyhow."

The England doctor is travelling up to Manchester on Wednesday to get a full briefing from United doctors.