Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/england/4963304.stmFerguson queries Rooney Cup role
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he doubts Wayne Rooney will play in this summer's World Cup.
The 20-year-old England striker is out for six weeks after breaking a bone in his foot in United's 3-0 defeat by Chelsea on Saturday.
Ferguson told United's website: "You never know, but at the moment I doubt that he will take part because of the recovery time.
"Without doubt it is a crippling blow for England."
I would think this injury is even more of a killer-blow to him because he knows he is missing major tournaments
Sir Alex Ferguson
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson still hopes to pick Rooney in the hope he will be fit to play in the later stages of the tournament.
Ferguson added: "When you see brave players staying down after a tackle you know it's genuine and he's in pain and that's what I felt with Wayne.
"At first we didn't think it was too bad, but when we sent him for the scan it identified the problem and we realised what a blow it was for the boy and for England.
"I spoke to Wayne on Saturday evening and he was obviously a bit down, but I told him these things happen."
The injury is the same one that ended Rooney's Euro 2004 campaign - but Ferguson knows the timing is even worse for him this time.
He added: "I would think this injury is even more of a killer-blow to him because he knows he is missing major tournaments.
"This time round it is even worse because he is more mature and is a more rounded player who has improved dramatically over the last two years. So it is a real, real blow."
Ferguson spoke to the England medical team in the hours after Rooney sustained his injury and says he is keen to try to keep Eriksson informed of any developments.
If England don't have Wayne Rooney they will need to look at getting inspiration from other players
Sir Alex Ferguson
He explained: "I have tried to get hold of Sven so I can give him as clear an opinion from us as possible because he will be reading a lot of stuff in the newspapers.
"We have spoken to the England doctor and I think it is important that I give as much as information as I can to Sven to make sure he is absolutely clear on what road he can take.
"Wayne will be in plaster for the next few weeks and he'll be having regular scans to see how it is healing."
The Scot added he was unhappy that Rooney had been saddled with such a burden of national expectation.
"I said a few weeks ago that I didn't want to see this kind of pressure on a lad of 20," said Ferguson.
"Other more experienced players such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville, should be taking the mantle.
"If England don't have Wayne Rooney they will need to look at getting inspiration from other players."
