"The medical people say he can play more than 45 minutes, so if that is the case then it is better he starts the game than comes on," said Eriksson. Rooney came on as a substitute in England's last match against Trinidad and Tobago, his first appearance since breaking a bone in his foot seven weeks ago.

Germany defender Christoph Metzelder will be fit for the Group A decider against Ecuador, despite twisting his knee in training. "There will be no problem for Tuesday," said assistant coach Joachim Löw. The BV Borussia Dortmund player, who has a history of knee trouble, left training early on Saturday but a scan showed no serious damage.

Czech Republic striker Milan Baroš has been cleared to resume training after a foot injury, but is unlikely to feature in the team's final Group E match against Italy on Thursday. "He will do only running tomorrow," said a team spokesman. The Czechs are short of available strikers with Jan Koller also injured and Vratislav Lokvenc suspended.

Simone Perrotta is a serious doubt for Italy after picking up a thigh injury in Saturday's match against the USA. The midfielder limped through the latter stages of the 1-1 draw as Marcello Lippi had already used all three substitutes. "He suffered a heavy blow to his upper right leg. He may be able to recover but we will have to wait for further tests," said a team doctor.

Henri Michel will leave his post as Ivory Coast coach after their game against Serbia and Montenegro on Wednesday. The Frenchman guided the African nation to their first-ever FIFA World Cup, but they cannot reach the knockout rounds after losing their first two games. "The Ivorian Soccer Federation did not ask to extend my contract, so for me it finishes with the match against the Serbians," said Michel.

Marco van Basten is set to ring the changes when the Netherlands take on Argentina in their final Group C match to decide which nation tops the group. The Dutch coach has six players on a yellow card, and may rest them knowing a second booking would mean a one-match suspension, whereas any remaining cards are wiped out at the end of the group stage. "We do not want to take any risks in relation to the next stage," said Van Basten.

Argentina midfielder Luis González is expected to be fit in time for the quarter-finals. The FC Porto player suffered a groin injury in the 6-0 victory against Serbia and Montenegro on Friday and it had been feared he would miss the rest of the tournament. "If Argentina qualify for the quarter-finals, he should be okay. The injury is less serious than we feared at first," said physiotherapist Gerardo Salorio.