ENGLAND manager Sven-Goran Eriksson yesterday said he was praying for a miracle recovery, after confirming Wayne Rooney suffered a "cluster" of fractures in his right foot.

Early indications were that the England striker had only one fracture in his fourth metatarsal, but yesterday it was confirmed the initial diagnosis was incorrect.

Manchester United will update Eriksson today when England doctor Leif Sward meets United doctor Mike Stone.

But, as Boro boss Steve McClaren prepares to be named the new England manager today, Eriksson still plans to name Rooney in his 23-man squad on Monday - and then keep his fingers crossed.

"I knew yesterday that he had more than one fracture," said Eriksson.

When pressed on whether Rooney, 20, now needs a miracle, Eriksson said: "Maybe."

Rooney broke his foot against Chelsea on Saturday. A scan after the game showed the break, but a second scan yesterday proved there was more than one fracture.

An uncle of Rooney's said his family were "gutted" at yesterday's news.

John Morrey was speaking after reports suggested he had placed a bet on his then-12-year-old nephew to play in the World Cup.

He said: "Everyone in our family wants him to play just like the rest of the country. We are all gutted at what has happened like everyone else."

Speaking about the alleged bet he said: "No such bet ever took place, but now I'm worried that these reports have jinxed the kid. We all saw him play when he was young and we talked about putting a bet on him, but no one ever did."

* A Newcastle United fan has taken out a £1m insurance policy to cover himself against the trauma of seeing England knocked out of the early stages of World Cup.

Paul Hucker, 34, from Ipswich, has paid £100 plus £5 insurance tax for the World Cup All Risks Insurance which he has taken out through broker britishinsurance.com