Wayne Rooney has broken more than one bone in his foot and it will take a "miracle" for him to play at the World Cup, England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said today.

Rooney spent yesterday afternoon at the exclusive Bupa medical centre at Whalley Range having further tests on the right foot he damaged at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The scans revealed multiple fractures in his right foot.

Asked if the Manchester United forward still had a chance of going  to the finals, Eriksson said: "I think so. Miracles happen in life now and then .. but I really don't know."

Eriksson told reporters he still expected to name the inspirational 20-year-old in his preliminary squad next Monday for the World Cup which starts on June 9th.

"I would be stupid to say that it is not bad if he can't play at the World Cup. It would be like Brazil missing Ronaldinho, France missing (Thierry) Henry - he's one of our absolute best players.

"But anyhow, we have a very good team, a very good squad and I'm convinced we are going to do a very, very good World Cup anyhow.

"I will not rule him out until the doctors tells me there is no chance. No-one wants that to happen. Everyone hopes he can take part in the World Cup at some stage."

The England doctor is travelling up to Manchester on Wednesday to get a full briefing from United doctors.

United claimed today that Rooney is still six weeks away from full training, despite the multiple fracture.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hit out at Eriksson's optimism, claiming the England boss was peddling a "wild dream".

But the pair spoke yesterday and agreed Rooney would stay in Manchester until he was fit to play, rather than join up with the England squad on May 15th.

Eriksson said: "We had a long chat about Rooney and the fact that he is going to stay in Manchester.

"I might pick him but he is going to stay in Manchester to do all the recovery until he is football fit.

"I think that's fair. He is staying at home and working with the physios and masseurs in Manchester.

"Nobody knows when he will start running. Nobody knows today.

"He has a serious injury and I will be updated tomorrow because our doctor goes to Manchester tomorrow to see Mike Stone."

However Eriksson is "quite sure" that Michael Owen, who is still suffering discomfort on his return from a broken foot on Saturday, will be fit for the start of the tournament.