Rooney starts for England

COLOGNE, June 20 (Reuters) England striker Wayne Rooney will start his first World Cup match in their final Group B game against Sweden today.

Rooney, who made his comback from a broken foot in the final half-hour of last week's 2-0 win over Trinidad&Tobago, was named in place of Peter Crouch alongside Michael Owen in the starting lineup.

Owen Hargreaves comes in as a holding midfielder as expected for Steven Gerrard, rested due to a yellow card, while Jamie Carragher stands in again for injured right back Gary Neville.

Sweden made two changes, with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic making way for Marcus Allback, who had replaced him as a substitute for the second half of their 1-0 win over Paraguay. Ibrahimovic has been struggling with a groin injury.

Right midfielder Mattias Jonson similarly starts in place of Christian Wilhelmsson after taking over from him against the South Americans.

A draw for England will ensure they top the group, avoid Group A winners Germany and face Ecuador in the second round on Sunday.

Sweden need a win to get that match, while a draw will leave them facing the host nation on Saturday. A defeat would leave them dependent on the outcome of Paraguay's game against Trinidad&Tobago.

REUTERS MP PM2345