England

England’s chances of success in South Africa hinge on Rooney being fit and there had been suggestions he was still struggling with the ankle and groin injuries that bothered him towards the back end of last season.

The striker’s problems contributed to United’s failure to retain their Premiership crown and they could also have a devastating effect on the Three Lions if he is not on top of his game.

Rooney also picked up a neck injury against Mexico on Monday night, but he insists it is nothing serious and he will get another run out against Japan this Sunday.

“Fitness-wise I feel good,” Rooney revealed. “I have been in every training session with England since we got together. I haven’t got an ankle problem, that story’s a load of rubbish. I had a bit of a stiff neck but that should pass.

“Do players feel jaded after a long season? Of course, it’s a long season for everyone,” he stated.

“I’m quite fortunate in I haven’t trained a lot in the last six weeks. I have had a full week’s training at the England training camp in Austria and I felt good out there.

“It can sometimes be a bonus having a break during the season. Fingers crossed it will be.”

Rooney is 6/4 favourite to be England’s top goalscorer in South Africa and 10/1 to finish as the tournament’s leading marksman, with Barcelona’s David Villa 9/1 favourite.

Fabio Capello will now be hoping and praying that his side comes through this weekend’s friendly against Japan unscathed before he cuts his squad down to 23.

England are 2/7 to beat Japan in Austria but Capello will not be concerned about the result and will just be hoping nobody picks up any serious knocks.

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