Rooney determined to prove himself at world level

(GSM) – England star Wayne Rooney said he is determined to prove himself at the World Cup on the eve of their group stage encounter against Algeria. The Manchester United forward did not shine in England’s first group stage game as he was marked well by the USA defense.

The 24-year-old had a superb campaign last term with United and he is keen to prove himself on the world level.

“This is a great opportunity for me to prove myself at world level,” he said.

“I look at what Maradona and Pele did. They took the World Cup by the scruff of the neck and virtually won it single-handed.

“If I can manage half of what they achieved, it would be great.

“It was difficult for me to play as well as I wanted after I got the injury against Bayern Munich. I played when I probably shouldn’t and lost my match fitness and sharpness.

“Even in Austria (during high altitude training with England) I had a few niggles and I held myself back in training.

“But since we’ve come over here I’ve felt sharp and been flat out.

“When I was playing well and scoring goals earlier in the season I was sharp and hungry in training. That is how I feel at the minute.

“Of course I want to score. 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.”

Commenting on his performance in England’s opener against the USA, Rooney added: “There were glimpses but I know I can play better.

“I don’t worry about it. I watched the game that night. I saw where I should have been, improve positions. It was quite interesting to watch it again and see where I could do better.

“But anyone can have a quiet game.

“International football is quite difficult now. We need nine out of the 11 players to win games to do well to win games.”