Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England squad will sample their World Cup training facilities for the first time today. All eyes will be on Wayne Rooney who appears to be making good progress as he recovers from a broken foot.

LONDON (AFP) – British newspapers are dominated by photographs of England striker Wayne Rooney curling a right-foot scissor kick on his first day back in full training since breaking a bone in his foot.

Whether the 20-year-old Manchester United forward will recover in time for the World Cup, which starts Friday, has been a source of constant speculation among the British press since he was injured in April.

But all agreed that the photographs of the side’s most important player — taken before England flew out to Germany on Monday afternoon — would give supporters of the 1966 world champions a welcome boost.

"There is a God," said mass-market tabloid The Sun, which like other newspapers, carried the image of Rooney, in full-flight, belting the ball, on its front page.

"Rootiful!" said the Daily Mirror, "Wayne’s Metatarsal Miracle", headlined the Daily Mail, while the Daily Star went with "The World at Our Feet" and "The picture the whole country has been waiting to see."

The newspapers noted that Rooney appeared to suffer no reaction to the foot injury he sustained in the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on April 29 as he was put through his paces by England team physiotherapist Gary Lewin.

Only the broadsheet Daily Telegraph and The Times were more cautious in their approach, noting that Rooney still faces a scan on the foot later this week before being passed fit.

The Sun claimed, however, that Alex Ferguson was furious at learning of Rooney’s exploits, without quoting the Manchester United manager directly.

Ferguson has reportedly been concerned about his young prodigy suffering a long-term injury if he is brought back into action too soon.

World Cup Betting Odds: Sports Interaction

Brazil 4/1

Germany 15/2

England 15/2

Argentina 9/1

France 10/1

Netherlands 13/1

World Cup Betting Tips: Looking for a longshot? BET on the Dutch team.

Related: FIFA World Cup Betting Tips, World Cup Picks, World Cup Soccer Stories and Rumors

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