The 28 year old is yet to open his account in the World Cup but is hoping to have a good tournament this time around. Despite having never scored in the biggest football tournament Rooney is just one goal behind Michael Owen’s record of 40 for the national side and ten behind Sir Bobby Charlton. The former Everton star has had a good World Cup Qualifying campaign and is hoping to carry the good form on the biggest stage.
“I am going to enjoy this tournament because I haven't enjoyed the last ones,” he admitted.
“I'm going to take positive memories.”
“If you look at my record in the World Cup qualifiers I had a pretty good record (seven goals).”
“That's what I have to do at the World Cup. I want to score goals and help England be successful, but I honestly feel better than I have done for years.”
“I'm ready for this tournament and I know if I play my game I will do well.”
England’s World Cup campaign will kick start on the 14th of June when they face 2006 winners Italy. Despite of the undeniable quality of their opposition, Rooney has claimed that the Three Lions will have the upper hand when they go against the Azzurri and highlighted the importance of a number of star players who could prove to be potential match winners when the two sides meet.
“If I'm being honest, when you play a high tempo they have struggled,” he added.
“The Italian league is nowhere near the tempo of the Premier League. Even when we played AC Milan, with Nesta and Maldini as centre halves, they really struggled when we played a high tempo. If we can do that we can give them problems.”
“The Italian players should be looking at us and how they can control our team,” he added. “We're not really too focused on Pirlo.”
“He has been a fantastic player and Italy have some great players, but so have we.”
“They should be more worried about our team. It is exciting and the young players bring a lot of energy and excitement. You can see with Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling that there's no fear with them. They'll be good players, big players for us.”
“This is probably the best squad of players I've been involved with since I've been with England.”
Whereas on an individual basis the current team might not be better than the ‘golden generation’ which made it to the Quarter-Final in 2006, many players in the England roster have shown a lot of promise in the recently concluded Barclays Premier League season.
In goal England have Joe Hart who after a dip in form has seemingly returned to his best. However this time around there will be no room for error for the Man City number one. The presence of Fraser Forster who has produced commendable performances for Scottish side Celtic, will definitely keep Hart on his toes.
The England team might lack experience at the back with both John Terry and Ashley Cole not having made the trip to Brazil, in Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka England have two defenders who have been on top of their game. Gary Cahill formed a formidable partnership with John Terry as the Blues conceded the least amount of goals in England’s top tier league. Whereas Phil Jagielka put forth exceptional performances as Everton pushed for a top four place.
The current English squad represents a fine blend of experience and talent. Whereas the ever green duo of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard will be present at the World Cup this time around, all eyes will be on the young yet talented players part of Roy Hodgson’s squad.
Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley will be carrying the hopes of millions of English fans on their young shoulders. Their performances last season were nothing short of spectacular and if the two youngsters can replicate their club form for the national side, England fans can definitely have high hopes this time around.
Rooney might not get to play in his preferred position through the middle and this is because of the presence of Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge. The 24 year old formed a fearsome partnership with Luis Suarez last season and finished the campaign second in the top scorers chart.
Whereas the current English squad might be mildly inexperienced, the talent in the squad is difficult to ignore. Should the young players live up to the billing, England can make major strides on the international stage this year.
