ENGLAND v SWEDEN - ROONEY RETURN ROCKS BOOKIES

England are still a top price 13/2 with VC Bet to win the 2006 World Cup going into tonight's final group match with Sweden.

Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard netted late goals to spare England's blushes in Nurnberg against Trinidad and Tobago, but the layers were not overly impressed by Sven-Goran Eriksson's men.

England, who were 1/7 generally to win the match, laboured for long spells against the Soca Warriors before finally breaking the deadlock with less than 10 minutes to go.

The match will be remembered for Wayne Rooney's return to action, with the Manchester United man coming on as a second half sub.

His introduction was bad news for William Hill, who had offered 33/1 about him playing his first game back against Trinidad & Tobago.

Quoted at 7/4 on Thursday morning and then backed down to 4/9 to play in the match, Rooney's return landed hundreds of bets of up to £1000 a time that he would play some part in the World Cup campaign.

"Rooney's comeback has cost bookies a six figure sum - but an England World Cup triumph could cost an eight figure one" said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.

"Three customers from London, Liverpool,and Manchester each bet £1000 on Rooney playing and have collected £2625 each."

Brazil remain 14/5 (VC Bet) favourites to retain their title, while South American neighbours Argentina are 15/2 with Hills.

The money continues to roll in for Spain, who are now as short as 7/1 in places, while hosts Germany are 8s with Sporting Odds.

Ecuador, who qualified for the last 16 for the first time on Thursday afternoon, are now 125/1 with Hills (from 200s).

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