BBC SPORT | Football | World Cup 2006 | Teams | Paraguay

BBC SPORT / PARAGUAY
Graphics Version | BBC News Home

Thursday, 8 June 2006, 11:39 GMT 12:39 UK

Santa Cruz ready to face England

Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz has declared himself fit to face England in their opening World Cup match.

Santa Cruz said: "I am ok now. I don't have a problem but we will find out (the lineup) today.

"I am recovering and feeling well. I think I will start but I don't know. It is up to him," Santa Cruz said, pointing to his coach Anibal Ruiz.

Ruiz declined to reveal whether the striker would be in the starting lineup to face England on Saturday.

Ruiz said: "Wait and see until the day of the game at three o'clock. Then you will know (if he starts)."

Paraguay have already lost striker Jose Cardozo to injury. If Santa Cruz is left out his most likely replacement would be Nelson Cuevas.

Related to this story:

Paraguay lose Cardozo to injury (06 Jun 06 | Paraguay )
Plotting England's downfall (20 May 06 | Paraguay )
Paraguay star fit to face England (01 Jun 06 | Paraguay )
Paraguay team guide (22 May 06 | Paraguay )
Pick your Paraguay XI (18 May 06 | Squad selectors )
World Cup schedule (25 May 06 | Schedule )
Have your say on the World Cup (28 Apr 06 | )
BBC World Cup coverage (27 Apr 06 | BBC coverage )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Fifa
Official Paraguay website
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites