Rooney prepares for England return

Rooney arrived at the side's Hutnik Stadium base on the outskirts of Krakow, along with his 22 other team-mates, with the big question being who would partner the country's talisman in its final Group D game in Donetsk.

Danny Welbeck appeared favourite to get the nod to play alongside his Manchester United teammate, whose recall to the side after a two-game ban was never really in doubt, despite England taking four points from its matches against France and Sweden at EURO 2012.

That would almost certainly mean Andy Carroll, a scorer in the latter game, making way against co-host Ukraine.

Although, with England training behind closed doors, it was going to be difficult to glean manager Roy Hodgson's exact thoughts.

Hodgson gave his players a day off yesterday and he may decide - as he did two days after the France game - to wrap some of those who played against Sweden in cotton wool again.

Chelsea star Ashley Cole usually does not train fully two days after a match for club and country and he could be joined by others in undertaking gym and pool work.