World Cup 2014: Wayne Rooney bullish over England's chances in Brazil

England striker: "I think we can. We have to believe, even if no-one else will"

Agency
Thursday 08 May 2014 14:56 BST
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Wayne Rooney celebrates his goal against Montenegro in England's World Cup qualifier
Wayne Rooney celebrates his goal against Montenegro in England's World Cup qualifier (GETTY IMAGES)

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England striker Wayne Rooney insists the critics may have written off their World Cup hopes but the players still believe.

Drawn against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in Brazil there are already suggestions Roy Hodgson's side may not even make it out of their group.

Expectations are not high for the national team but asked in a Facebook question and answer session for Samsung whether England can win the World Cup Rooney said: "I think we can. We have to believe, even if no-one else will."

Rooney will face Liverpool rival Luis Suarez, who has had the season of his life scoring 31 Premier League goals this season, in their second group game in Sao Paulo in June 19.

The Uruguayan is one of the world's best players but Rooney believes that accolade should go to a former team-mate.

"Cristiano Ronaldo and probably Luis Suarez a close second," he said when asked who was currently the best player in the world.

He also picked Ronaldo as the player he would most like to bring to Manchester United but could not decide between the Portugal forward and Paul Scholes as the best team-mate he had played alongside.

"The best player I've ever played with is between two - Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes," added Rooney, who listed former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and ex-England striker Alan Shearer as his heroes.

"Scholesy controlled the game and passed the ball around but in terms of winning games - Cristiano Ronaldo."

Looking further ahead Rooney was asked whether he would like to move into coaching like United current team-mate Ryan Giggs.

"Honestly I don't know, I could be a manager at some point," he said.

"It would depend on circumstances in my life and what chapter of my life I was at with my family and which club it would be."

PA

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