Henrik Larsson can see England going all the way to the World Cup final.

But first he is desperate to score against them tomorrow in Cologne and ensure Sweden's safe passage through to the knockout phase.

Larsson said: "England have a great opportunity. They have a great team and a great squad with world-class players. They can do it if they can get it together all right."

England have not beaten Sweden since the Beatles were still in their pomp back in May 1968, a run spanning 11 matches.

Sweden's hopes this time, however, have not been helped by a groin injury to their Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is unlikely to start.

Former Aston Villa striker Marcus Allback looks set to play alongside Larsson.

Celtic legend Larsson, 34, said: "When I have played with Marcus the combination has been all right.

"He is a quality finisher, clinical in the box. He has played for Aston Villa and in Germany and Holland and he has done well. Maybe he hasn't had a coach who has really believed in him."

The name mentioned most at the Swedish training centre this week, by the media at least, has been that of England's Wayne Rooney.

Larsson has no doubt the Manchester United striker will pose the biggest threat after it was confirmed Rooney, now fully fit after a broken foot injury, would start the match.

The former Barcelona forward, who has signed for Helsingborg, said of Rooney: "He is a quality player.

"I am surprised he came back so quickly. But he is a very important player for England with the skills he has. The way he passes, the way he scores goals."

It was a sentiment echoed by 35-year-old midfielder Niclas Alexandersson, who played with Rooney at Everton and who scored against England in their last World Cup meeting in Saitama, Japan, in a 1-1 draw back in 2002.

Alexandersson said: "It is nice to see him back even if he is such a good player.

"Since I was at Everton he has improved a lot and he has coped really well with the pressure. It just doesn't seem to affect him. He is getting better all the time."

Captain Olof Mellberg has had a well-publicised dressing-room bust-up with Arsenal's Freddie Ljungberg and Sweden coach Lars Lagerback has had a running battle with the Swedish press after his starting team had been leaked.

Lagerback said: "England are always a tough team to play. They have quality in all positions. We will try to stick to our way of playing, defend as much as we can. When you play at this level you have to control the game. You cannot attack too much."