Rooney vows to do himself justice
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Your support makes all the difference.Wayne Rooney has vowed to "do myself justice" during the current World Cup after admitting he was well below his best in Germany four years ago.
And the Manchester United star admits it will be "more or less down to me" to score the goals if England are to achieve glory during the next month.
Rooney was playing catch-up during the last tournament after suffering a broken foot in the April in a tackle by Chelsea's Paolo Ferreira at Stamford Bridge.
By his own admission he was lacking the sharpness required for a World Cup finals.
But Rooney feels in a more upbeat mood in 2010 despite England only managing to draw their opening game with the United States.
And he is aware of the onus on his shoulders to deliver the necessary goal-power.
Rooney said: "I feel a lot more comfortable and more positive this time than in Germany.
"With the last World Cup, I didn't train with the lads beforehand, and didn't play in any of the warm-up games because of my injury.
"I got thrown straight into a few games and you know you are not match fit.
"I didn't feel that I did myself justice and I'm hoping this World Cup I can do myself justice.
"I am happy. I feel good and the way the lads have trained, we are looking good and sharp."
Rooney has been on target 25 times in 61 appearances for England although he managed only one goal in the last 12 months against Croatia at Wembley.
But he is confident that sequence will end sooner rather than later.
Rooney said: "The fact I've not scored for England for a while is not really a concern.
"I'd like to score. As a forward you want to score goals. I don't mind not scoring if we win.
"But I know for us to win, it will be more or less down to me to score the goals - whether it is now or later in the competition.
"I hope I go on a real scoring run when I get my next goal. It is nice for a forward to score goals and hopefully I can get one on Friday."
Rooney insists he is happy to play within whatever system Fabio Capello opts to start with against Algeria.
He feels equally at home in a lone striking role or alongside either Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch or Jermain Defoe.
He said: "It is down to the manager to decide. I will play wherever he wants me to play.
"Throughout the qualifying campaign, it worked really well with myself and Emile so if that is how he wants to play, I am happy with that.
"I enjoy playing there so I have no problems with that.
"But I feel comfortable whether with a partner or on my own. I am happy either way."
Rooney is aware of all the expectations back in England but believes it suits the squad to be kept away from the hype.
He said: "To be honest, we are kept away from all the attention back home and I think that is better for us.
"I think it is better that we can concentrate on our football and take it from there.
"But, once the World Cup starts, there is a lot of focus and excitement which is brilliant for fans and good to see after games if we win."
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