Swedish midfielder Tobias Linderoth is convinced former Everton team-mate Wayne Rooney can have an increasing impact on the World Cup now he is regaining match sharpness after his broken foot.

Linderoth was in the Everton side when Rooney announced himself to the footballing world with his stunning goal against Arsenal at Goodison Park four years ago.

The duo met when England and Sweden fought out a 2-2 draw in Cologne last night - Rooney's first start in seven-and-a-half weeks since suffering the injury against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Rooney showed flashes of his talent before being taken off after 69 minutes and Linderoth is convinced the 20-year-old still has time to be a major force in the tournament.

He said: "It was great to come up against Wayne and see him again. He is always dangerous and his touch is as good as ever.

"He's still got to work his way back to full form but he will only get better now, which is great news for England. I think he will have a big impact."

Arsenal winger Freddie Ljungberg added: "I have a lot of friends in England and I heard the rumours Wayne would play. I was mostly happy for him.

"I felt a bit sad when he had the injury and it looked like he wouldn't play in the World Cup, but it's great for him to play.

"He did well. It's difficult to say how close he is to his best. It was two different halves. He did quite well in the first half but in the second half when we put pressure on the English team we didn't see as much of Rooney."

Swedish skipper Olof Mellberg is backing England to overcome the loss of knee-injury victim Michael Owen who has flown back to England and could be out for five months.

The Aston Villa captain said: "England can go a long way still in Germany. They look really strong and have a good variety in their game.

"They mix it up. Normally they are very strong on set-pieces and they have pace and strength up front, have good defenders and in Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard they have outstanding midfielders coming into the box.

"They look strong all over. I think they can get over the loss of Michael Owen. Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch can be a threat to any of the outstanding teams.

"They complement each other so well, with Crouchy's strength in the air and Rooney's all-round strength. They can be very dangerous."