THE SWEDE SMELL OF SUCCESS ?

WAYNE Rooney is now just 6/4 to start his first England match against Sweden, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes.

The Manchester United star was 3/1 to make the third group game, but has been trimmed after medics gave him the all clear to play

And his miraculous recovery has triggered a huge gamble from punters eager to back the Three Lions talisman.

Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "We've taken scores of bets on Rooney to be top tournament goalscorer at 33/1 and top England goalscorer at 7/1. Confidence is obviously very high.

"Given the rate of his recovery it looks more than likely that he'll start sooner rather than later - whatever Sir Alex thinks."

Rooney is 7/1 from 8/1 to play against Trinidad and Tobago but now out to 5/2 from 2/1 to make his bow in the second round and 7/2 from 3/1 not to play at all.

LATEST BETTING

When will Rooney play his first game?

Paraguay 33/1
Trinidad and Tobago 7/1
Sweden 6/4
2nd Round 5/2
Quarter finals 6/1
Semi finals 161
3/4 Place play off 40/1
Final 33/1

To play no part 7/2

Top England goalscorer

Michael Owen 11/4
Frank Lampard 5/1
Peter Crouch 5/1
Steven Gerrard 5/1
Wayne Rooney 7/1
Joe Cole 10/1
David Beckham 14/1
Theo Walcott 16/1

20/1 bar