Wayne Rooney has been passed fit to play for England against Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday evening by independent medical advisors.
The Manchester United striker was today examined by professors Angus Wallace and Chris Moran, from the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, ahead of the World Cup Group B clash in Nuremberg.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had already claimed yesterday that Rooney is 'match-fit' and ready to return to action after six-and-a-half weeks out with a broken metatarsal.
But, following concerns expressed by the player's club, the Football Association sought the advice of Wallace and Martin - as agreed with United - and Rooney has now been given the green light to play some part in the game.
Eriksson is not expected to name the 20-year-old to start in Nuremberg but is thinking of using him as a substitute.
The statement from the advisors said: 'Wayne's recovery has been more rapid than expected over the past week, and this is due to the excellent care he has received since suffering the injury to his foot and because Wayne has worked so hard at his recovery.
'Due to this, we were invited back earlier than anticipated to reassess Wayne by Dr Leif Sward, the England team doctor. We are independent experts and would like to make clear that the findings of our evaluation and decision have been made without any pressure from the Football Association.
'We have Wayne's best interests at heart, as our sole concern is Wayne's well being - now and in the future.
'This morning's evaluation involved examining Wayne, watching him train, studying video footage of him in full contact training over the past two days and discussions with the England medical staff.
'We have also had an extensive discussion with Ivan Carminati, England's fitness coach and Wayne's fitness levels are better now than before Euro 2004.
'It is clear he has received excellent care and rehabilitation from the Manchester United medical team. This has continued with the England team's medical staff and it is obvious the two have worked very well together.
'Due to his positive attitude and approach and the care he has received, Wayne has made a more rapid recovery than initially anticipated. The injury has healed and we are satisfied that he is as fit as he can be.
'We have carried out a full risk assessment related to returning him to play at this stage and that assessment has indicated that he is at no more risk than any other player who has recovered from an injury and is returning to competitive sport.
'It is our professional medical opinion that Wayne Rooney is now available to play in the World Cup.'
