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Rooney allays fitness fears

Wayne Rooney has been in sizzling form for Manchester United © Getty Images

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Wayne Rooney has given Fabio Capello a huge boost after confirming he expects to be fit for England's friendly against Egypt on Wednesday.

The star striker aggravated a knee injury as he helped Manchester United to a 2-1 victory in the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa on Sunday.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had cast doubt over the 24-year-old's participation but Rooney has suggested he is likely to be fit.

"It's okay," he said. "I went for a scan today and it's just a bit of bruising, so I'm having a bit of a rest day today, I should train tomorrow and should play on Wednesday."

As England prepare for their midweek encounter at Wembley, Rooney has also backed under-fire duo John Terry and Ryan Shawcross.

Terry will be under scrutiny as he is set to feature for his country for the first since losing the captaincy over allegations surrounding his private life, and Wayne Bridge's decision to withdraw from the national side has further increased the pressure.

However, Rooney feels Terry remains an essential part of the side and insists there has been no change in mood in the England camp.

"John is a leader for our team," he said. "He hasn't got the armband but he's still a great player and a great leader. The squad has been no different since we've met up.

"He is a great player - I think he's been named in the world XI for the last three years. There are no worries about his form, that's for sure.

"Wayne Bridge is a fantastic player and especially now with Ashley Cole being injured I'm sure he'd have been the one to take his place. It's unfortunate but it's his decision and you have to respect it."

Asked what reception Terry is likely to receive at Wembley, Rooney said: "The same as normal I'd hope. I've been in the team when a few players have been booed at Wembley and it's not nice, it doesn't send the right message. I hope he gets a good reception."

Ryan Shawcross was sent off for Stoke at the weekend © Getty Images

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Stoke centre back Shawcross could be set to make his England debut in the match but, after his tackle left Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey with a broken leg, he too has faced negative headlines.

Having played with Shawcross during the defender's time at Manchester United, though, Rooney believes there was no malice involved in the challenge.

"I was with him at United for a couple of years and he's not that type of player," he said. "I'm sure he'll be okay. He'll be welcomed into the squad and will be hoping to get a game on Wednesday.

"It's unfortunate but he's got to move on now. He's in the squad at a young age - it's important for him to get a game and if he does I'm sure he'll do well."

James Milner, meanwhile, said he is prepared to play left-back, should Capello turn to him to fill the problem position.

"To have Wayne Bridge available would be great but we'll move on," he said. "I've had 15 minutes' experience at left-back but that was for England. If I'm asked to play there I'll do the best job I can, but my best position is further forward - in central midfield or out wide.

"I'm just happy to be here with the England squad, wherever it means I'm playing. There's a lot of competition for places."

On the Terry situation, he added: "We're a squad, we are as one and we've got a job to do. We're going into a major tournament and it's important we're all together. There's no way we'll be any different.''

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