Wayne Rooney is set to make his 2006 World Cup debut on Thursday when England will face Trinidad and Tobago. English coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is still calling the decision "day by day", but claims to be very optimistic about the prospect of Rooney playing.

Eriksson's squad is 1-0-0 after a 1 goal win over Paraguay on Saturday. English fans chanted the name of the 20-year-old striker during the game. Rooney had been suffering from a broken right foot, but the most recent scan showed it was fully healed. Now all that prevents his return is the question of his fitness.

Trinidad and Tobago managed a tie against Sweden in their opener. England's third and final game of the group stage will go on June 20th against the Swedes.