With England's match against Wales just six days away, there was one question that TheFA.com just had to ask Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson - would Wayne Rooney play?

"I suppose so. It would be difficult to keep him out," Sven said. "I saw him on Tuesday and he was fantastic - scoring three goals on debut and he hadn't played football since June.

"So it's very difficult to keep him out and why should I keep him out? He should play."

Rooney's impact on the international football stage is quite unlike that of any other player in recent memory, but just when was it that Sven felt the youngster was ready to play for his country?

"That was the training sessions we had before the Turkey game at home. What he did there you could recognise that he was very clever, very strong and had good technique."

"He scored a goal there that I will always remember and the coaching staff and I decided that it was time for him, even if he was 17. Let him play.

"Everybody recognised during those sessions we had that this was someone very special."

Sven has been given a great boost with the return to the squad not only of Rooney but also experienced defenders Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell whilst in attack England look to have a strong selection of strikers.

"The squad is very strong. Unfortunately we have Steven Gerrard out and Steven has always been a very important player to us but that's life.

"We also miss Dyer and Wayne Bridge which is a pity because he, together with Ashley Cole on the left side in the last game, played very well.

"The squad is strong and it gives me problems. Upfront - who to play and who not to play, and central defenders - suddenly we have four extremely good central defenders - top, top class."

With so many class players in attack and defence, would Sven consider sending out an England side lining up in a 5-3-2 or a 4-3-3 formation?

"It's a solution but if you ask me today - no. I think we should stick to our system. I think we do very well with the system we have but who knows during the game?"

To watch the full interview with Sven-Goran Eriksson, click on one of the links below.

03 October 2004
Sven Exclusive - Rooney set to play


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