England boss Fabio Capello believes Wayne Rooney is both physically and mentally ready to make a big impact on Tuesday night’s Euro 2012 clash with Montenegro (England 1/5 to beat Montenegro).

The 24-year-old striker had been a doubt for England’s third match in Group G after picking up an ankle injury but the former Everton man has made a speedy recovery and is set to partner Peter Crouch in attack at Wembley, after Darren Bent was ruled out of the match with a groin injury.

Rooney failed to spark at last summer’s World Cup and has yet to hit the heights for Manchester United this term, with allegations about his private life seemingly affecting his performances and overall state of mind.

But he has been training well with the England squad and the boss believes that his body and mind are now both pulling in the right direction for the vital clash with the surprise leaders of the qualifying group.

“I spoke with Sir Alex who told me, when I decided the squad, that Rooney would be fit because the ankle problem was not so big,” Capello said.

“I spoke with Rooney about the situation, his situation. I monitored him during the training and he trained perfectly, really well.

“He’s focused on the game. He’s happy. He’s smiling a lot. He’s in a good moment, better than he was when we played against Switzerland.”

An England victory would see them take over top spot from the Balkans outfit on goal difference and open up a sizeable gap back to third place, with any one of Bulgaria, Wales or Switzerland possibly sitting in third spot depending on Tuesday’s results (England 1/25 to qualify for Euro 2012).

It appears as though young wingers Adam Johnson and Ashley Young will start for England and try to provide the crosses for Crouch to feed off, and Capello is unconcerned about their lack of playing time at the top level.

“People say they are inexperienced players but the confidence of Adam is good. He’s played three or four games,” he added.

“Ashley Young has also played very well in a couple of games and done well in a more central role for Aston Villa.”

Rio Ferdinand will captain the side after returning to fitness, with Steven Gerrard returning to the ranks after leading the team with distinction.

Much is expected of the Manchester United defender, who missed the World Cup in South Africa through injury and has only just returned to first-team action at Old Trafford, as John Terry is absent through injury and Phil Jagielka is also missing.

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