Manchester United manager 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.
The United manager last night told Sky Sports News: "I think it's fair enough. I would do the same if I were Sven because if he [Rooney] were to get fit - and it's a big if - you would have to have him there."
Rooney suffered several fractures to the fourth metatarsal on his right foot in a challenge with Chelsea's Paulo Ferreira at Stamford Bridge, and Ferguson offered an update on his battle to regain fitness.
He said: "He has been having treatment twice a day. He is showing a great determination to try to get ready for the World Cup. We know it is a forlorn hope - but we will give it a try.
"We will see how he gets on over the next few weeks. That's the important time for him."
Injured players can be replaced up to 24 hours before England's first game of the finals on June 10 if a FIFA doctor verifies the injury.
Rooney is considered to be a special case by the England boss and will be given as long as possible to prove his fitness.
