Milner: England need Rooney for Swiss test

Allegations about Rooney's private life were made in newspapers on Sunday, leading to speculation the Manchester United striker may stay behind.

FA sources have indicated that no decision has yet been taken and as it stands Rooney is expected on the flight.

Milner explained that Rooney had played a full part in training on Sunday, two days after playing a key role in England beating Bulgaria 4-0, and backed him to play for Fabio Capello's team in Basle.

"He did the full session," Milner said. "We had our full training session and back to football is what we're here to do.

"I think you want the best players out on the field and he's obviously one of them. He showed that the other night. He's a top, top player and we want to put out the strongest team possible."

Milner was pressed for more detail about Rooney's frame of mind, but stressed: "You're going to have to ask him."

Manchester City midfielder Milner does not expect the claims about Rooney to affect the England squad.

"We've got to make sure they don't," he said. "Things are always said in the paper, good things, bad things, about the England team when results are going well and when they're not going well.

"You have highs, you have lows, and it's down to us to make sure only thing that matters is on the field, come together and make sure we get the result."

Milner indicated England have only the match against the Swiss on their minds.

"Winning football matches is the only thing that matters," he said.

"We're here to win a football match. We've all trained as a squad in preparation for the game on Tuesday.

"It's a big game, and it's down to us go out and get the right result."

While England cruised to victory over Bulgaria in their first match of Group G, Switzerland did not play over the weekend so will be looking for a positive start against Capello's men.