Rooney: We can be world champions

Wayne Rooney vowed to use the disappointment of Euro 2004 as his driving force to win the World Cup next year.

The 19-year-old was injured in the quarter-finals against hosts Portugal last year, with England eventually losing out on penalties.

But with England securing a place for next year’s finals in Germany, Rooney believes he can help his country to their first World Cup triumph in 40 years.

He told Sky Sports News: “Obviously I can’t wait. I’m excited and it’s a massive tournament for anyone and my first World Cup. I’m confident we can go and win it.

“Brazil are the team to beat in my eyes and if we do manage to beat them we’ve got a great chance.

“There’s great expectations to go there and improve on 2004, go further and hopefully bring the trophy back home.

“I was gutted when I had to come off against Portugal and that’s made me more determined to go there and bring the cup home for us.”