Wayne Rooney was taken off against Sweden because Sven-Goran Eriksson was concerned about Michael Owen's injury.

Owen ruptured his knee ligaments in the first minute of the 2-2 draw against Sweden, leaving England short of strikers.

Eriksson insists he is not worried about his lack of firepower but did not want to push his luck with Rooney.

The Manchester United striker was not happy to be taken off in the 69th minute and replaced by Steven Gerrard.

Rooney kicked a water bottle, punched the dug-out and threw his boots away.

Eriksson said: "It's not a problem. He was more disappointed with himself. We cannot risk him to be injured.

"He had played 30 minutes five days before and it was not right professionally that he played 90 minutes."

Rooney returned after a broken foot against Trinidad and Tobago last week before starting against the Swedes in Cologne.

Eriksson expects Rooney, 20, to be one of those who star in Owen's absence.

The England boss said: "I'm not that worried about the situation because Rooney is getting better and better. That's a big thing for us.

"And we have midfielders who can easily play second striker and have done for their clubs.

"Joe Cole has done it sometimes and Steven Gerrard has done it many times."

The England manager opted to leave Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe out of his 23-man squad in favour of an extra midfielder.

He also chose Theo Walcott ahead of Defoe and now seems reluctant to expose the 17-year-old to the World Cup.

The decision attracted criticism at the time and surely will again now the gamble appears to have backfired.

Eriksson said: "I can understand that people will talk about that.

"If you talk about strikers and people who can play as strikers I think we are very well covered even without Michael.

"I'm sure about it. We don't want any more injuries on strikers.

"But who scored the goals against Sweden? Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole and they can do that job easily."

Eriksson was upset for Owen, who had fought back from a broken foot to be declared fit for Germany.

The Newcastle goal ace had struggled with his form at the start of the tournament and had been desperate for 90 minutes against Sweden.

Eriksson said: "His disappointment was very big at half-time and even after the match when I talked to him.

"It is a big blow for us, the fans and especially Michael Owen because he has been looking forward to this for a long time now."