England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is ready to risk the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson and plunge Wayne Rooney into the World Cup group stages.
The 20-year-old will play no part in Saturday's opener against Paraguay.
But it is understood Eriksson has not ruled out Rooney playing against Trinidad and Tobago or Sweden if he feels he is fit.
Such a move may infuriate Ferguson, with England and the Manchester United boss at odds over Rooney's recovery.
Rooney returned to the team hotel on Wednesday after being given medical clearance to take his place in England's official World Cup squad.
Eriksson and Ferguson spoke by telephone on Wednesday after Rooney had scans on his foot, which he injured against Chelsea in April.
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There was agreement between the two sides that he had recovered completely from his broken metatarsal.
But United insist he will not be ready to play until after the group stages at the earliest.
They fear pushing Rooney back in too soon could cause further injury setbacks.
But Eriksson is in a defiant mood and has made it clear he and Rooney will have the final say on when the forward will play in the World Cup.
And it is now emerging that if Eriksson and his back-up team feel Rooney is match-fit after the Paraguay game, he will come into consideration in the right circumstances.
Ferguson will be furious if Rooney's return causes another injury problem to his right foot, but Eriksson is happy to be the judge of when the striker can make his comeback.
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Eriksson will hope the situation can be averted with impressive England results in the group games which will reduce the need to take the slightest risk with Rooney.
But the Swede is willing to follow up his clear message that he is in charge of Rooney's World Cup fate by playing him in group matches if he believes it is right.
Rooney had a double training session on Monday after England arrived at their World Cup base and has lost two kilos of weight since his injury.
The United striker's stamina levels are said to be good.
And while Eriksson is determined to make up his own mind on Rooney's fitness, he will be as keen as Ferguson to avoid any injury setbacks for his most influential player.