Rooney starts and Ballack plays as big guns look to finish top

By Pete Jenson Jun 19, 2006, 13:39 GMT

Berlin - Wayne Rooney will start his first World Cup match for England when they face Sweden in Group B in Cologne, Tuesday, needing just a draw to ensure top spot.

'The medical people say he can play more than 45 minutes so if that is the case then it is better he starts than he comes on,' said England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The Manchester United striker came on as a second-half substitute in England's 2-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday, his first competitive outing since breaking a bone in his right foot at the end of April.

'I'm very happy and he's very happy, and it's very good for England,' said Eriksson, who is likely to rest Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch - both on bookings.

Crouch's absence will give Michael Owen another chance to kick- start his World Cup after being taken off in the first two opening games.

'I've been criticized in the past,' said Owen, who has only played 29 minutes of club football since breaking a bone in his foot in January.

'I've been out for much of the season so it's inevitable that I'm not going to be on the absolute top of my game. I feel as if I'm playing alright. I feel as if I'm coming into a bit of form.'

Gerrard looks set to be replaced by Owen Hargreaves in midfield and if England are comfortable, Frank Lampard, also on a booking, could make way for Jermaine Jenas in the second half.

Sweden will be without talisman Zlaten Ibrahimovic who is still struggling with a groin strain. The Juventus striker was taken off at half-time in the Swedes' last game against Paraguay.

The Scandinavians will fancy themselves, even without their centre-forward, because they haven't lost to England in 38 years but if they are beaten then Trinidad and Tobago could still qualify for the second round on goal difference if they beat Paraguay in the Fritz-Walter-Stadion.

Trinidad and Tobago will be without injured 29-year-old defender Cyd Gray who has a torn ligament. Paraguay will name central defender Carlos Gamarra, 35, in their team for the last time. He is quitting after 109 caps. And it could also be the last game for coach Anibal Ruiz whose contract is unlikely to be renewed after the tournament.

Hosts Germany and South American surprise package Ecuador will be waiting the top teams in Group B in the next stage. Germany need to beat Ecuador in Berlin, Tuesday, if they want to top the group.

Michael Ballack will play despite carrying a yellow card. 'We'll have a word with him and tell him to avoid unnecessary fouls. He wasn't fit for the opening match, but he returned to face Poland. It's important he rediscovers his rhythm ahead of the knockout stages,' said Juergen Klinsmann's assistant Joachim Low.

The Germans could make other changes with fringe players such as Werder Bremen's Tim Borowski and Schalke's Gerald Asamoah ready to step in for Bastian Schweinsteiger and Bernd Schneider, if called upon.

Central defender Christoph Metzelder was pronounced available for selection after injuring his knee in training, but could be rested in view of the fact he is on a yellow card.

There will be one enforced change on the substitutes' bench where third-choice goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand will take the place of Oliver Kahn who has injured his thumb in training.

Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez is also considering making a number of changes. Striker Carlos Tenorio, who scored against Poland and Costa Rica, is carrying an ankle injury and is not expected to play. Ivan Kaviedes, who has been a highly effective substitute with an assist against Poland a goal against Costa Rica, is ready to start.

Suarez could also rest captain Ivan Hurtado and midfieler Edison Mendez who both have yellow cards.

In the other game in Group A Costa Rica meet Poland in Hanover, Tuesday, with only pride to play for. 'Of the three World Cups we have been to, this has been the worst,' said Costa Rica striker Paulo Wanchope.

Poland also go home early and it could be Coach Pawel Janas' last game in charge with the Polish football association unlikely to renew his contract.

After being criticised for defensive tactics he looks set to be more attack-minded against Costa Rica and give youth a chance.

Midfielder Arkadiusz Radomski said: 'The tactics for the German game were defensive, with the aim being to break quickly. Against Costa Rica we should play more offensively.

Assistant coach Maciej Skorza added: 'Some changes in personnel will probably be made. It would be good to give some of the younger players experience of the World Cup.'