Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson thinks it unlikely that striker Wayne Rooney will be able to play in the World Cup for England after breaking a bone in his right foot against Chelsea on Saturday.
Rooney was carried off on a stretcher during the 3-0 defeat and is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks with fractured fourth metatarsal. England play their opening game against Paraguay on June 10.
"I spoke to Wayne on Saturday evening and he was obviously a bit down, but I told him these things happen," Ferguson told United's Web site.
"You never know but at the moment I doubt that he'll take part (in the World Cup) because of the recovery time."
While calling Rooney's injury a "crippling blow" for England, Ferguson will also be anxious for the 20-year-old to be fit for the start of next season.
"We've spoken to the England doctor and I think it's important that I give as much as information as I can to (England coach) Sven (Goran Eriksson) to make sure he's absolutely clear on what road he can take.
"Wayne will be in plaster for the next few weeks and he'll be having regular scans to see how it's healing."
Ferguson also voiced his concern over the media hysteria that has greeted Rooney's injury, with many pundits writing off England's World Cup chances without him.
The Scot said other players should shoulder the burden of public expectation.
"I said a few weeks ago that I didn't want to see this kind of pressure on a lad of 20," said Ferguson.
"Other more experienced players such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville, should be taking the mantle.
"If England don't have Wayne Rooney they will need to look at getting inspiration from other players."
