Rooney ready to storm World Cup

02 December 2013 18:31

England manager Roy Hodgson wants Wayne Rooney to keep up his fine form for Manchester United and then transfer it to the World Cup stage in Brazil.

The 28-year-old moved into double figures for the season with his double strike in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Tottenham, moving fifth on the all-time Barclays Premier League goalscorers' list in the process.

Despite being one of the deadliest strikers to represent England, with 38 goals to his name at present, Rooney is yet to score at a World Cup. But Hodgson is backing the former Everton youngster to change that in 2014.

"His form is very positive and in this form I'm sure he will score in a World Cup finals when we get there," said Hodgson, who was speaking at an event organised by FA sponsors Mars.

"But of course there is a long way to go between now and May, when I select the squad and June, when we start to play.

"All I can do is hope that Wayne remains in form and stays fit and healthy, but there is no point being jubilant or depressed what a player is doing in December, it is in June when it matters."

Rooney has not had a memorable tournament for England since he burst onto the scene at Euro 2004, with injury, suspension and poor form all factors.

But Hodgson is certain that a fit Rooney can make a telling difference for England next summer.

"He is one of our top players, there is no doubt about that," the 66-year-old said.

"At international level you need your top players, they make the difference between success and failure, so I'm rather hoping that Wayne Rooney will be in top form during the World Cup.

"I don't have a crystal ball so I can't say whether they are going to be in form at that time, I can just keep my fingers crossed."

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Source: PA