Rooney: I know I’ll be targeted by World Cup opponents

WAYNE ROONEY admits he expects opposition defenders to try to intimidate him at this summer’s World Cup.

The Manchester United striker has managed to curb his temper with increasing effectiveness this season and has cleaned up his act markedly since his needless dismissal for sarcastically applauding Kim Milton Nielsen during a Champions League clash with Villarreal in September.

Yet, despite the vast improvement in his behaviour, Rooney still feels opponents will target him as he spearheads England’s quest for glory, although the 20-year-old is confident he can overcome the wind-up merchants in Germany.