England v United States - Steven Gerrard backing Wayne Rooney to shine
Wayne Rooney(credit:
gordonflood.com)
England captain Steven Gerrard has backed Wayne Rooney to make this World Cup “his own”.
Rooney was in sensational form for Manchester United last season, but recently has struggled for goals for the national team.
And despite more questions being raised about his temperament after a needless booking during Monday’s friendly win over Platinum Stars, Gerrard believes Rooney (20/1 with Paddy Power to be sent off against the United States on Saturday) can put himself alongside the legends of the World Cup.
He said: “Wayne’s in a position to make this World Cup his own just like Pele and Maradona did.
“He is a fantastic age, he is in great shape and he is coming off the back of an unbelievable season, probably his best, so his confidence is sky high.
“He is right up there in the category of the very best players in the tournament like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. That gives all of us such confidence.
“So the stage is set for Wayne to go out and deliver, to be England’s main man who will shoot us to glory.”
Ladbrokes are offering 18/1 on England winning the World Cup and Wayne Rooney leaving South Africa with the Golden Boot. Team-mate Peter Crouch is 100/1 to the double, while Gerrard is 150/1.