By Phil McNulty Chief football writer in Baden-Baden

Gerrard and Lampard could both miss the first knockout game

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is poised to break up Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard's partnership to ensure they play in the World Cup's last 16.

Lampard and Gerrard, as well as Peter Crouch, face Sweden only a booking away from a suspension.

Eriksson said: "If we had to win to go through I would probably risk all three, but we don't need to do that."

Gerrard is thought most likely to be rested in midfield, while Wayne Rooney could start ahead of Crouch.

Interview: Frank Lampard

Owen Hargreaves is favourite to take Gerrard's place after figuring alongside Lampard for part of Saturday's training session, but Michael Carrick is also a contender.

Eriksson added: "There are three players booked and maybe I will leave one out.

"I don't want to leave all three out - maybe one or two."

Eriksson is tempted to play Rooney from the start after he came through a 33-minute appearance as a substitute against Trinidad and Tobago with no ill-effects after his broken foot.

England are a different team with Rooney. He is perfect in everything when he is 100% Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson

He said: "He looks fine. I spoke to him and the physios and there were no reactions after the match.

"His words were that he's ready to play 90 minutes today. I'm thinking about it but I haven't decided.

"I would like to start him but I will ask opinions from doctors and physios, and it is important to look at him in training before making that decision.

"If he's going to start the game then people must convince me he's going to play at least one hour.

"If he can only play 45 minutes for example, it's better for him to come on in the second half.

"He has been telling me he's fit and ready for the last three weeks."

Eriksson admitted the difference Rooney brings to England's side is a crucial factor.

He said: "England are a different team with Rooney. He's fantastic.

"He is perfect in everything when he is 100%, but, as a linking player, he keeps the ball up there and gives the team time to come out.

"He gives us more combinations in the last third.

"Michael Owen and Wayne is one option but I know they lack games. You would be starting with two who might not reach 90 minutes.