Rooney relishing World Cup chance

Wayne Rooney vowed to prove his status as one of the leading talents in the game at next year’s World Cup finals as he urged the English people to place their trust in their team.

Rooney, who turns 20 later this month, was feted as one of the best young players with his displays at Euro 2004, sparking comparisons with Paul Gascoigne.

Now that England have secured automatic qualification for next summer’s tournament, he is determined to enhance his reputation by proving himself on the biggest stage of all.

“Everyone who goes to the World Cup wants to prove themselves. I’m no different. I want to go out there and try to score goals, make goals for England and try to win it,” he declared.

“Obviously I was gutted when I went off injured against Portugal at Euro 2004. That makes me even hungrier to go to the World Cup and to try to win it.”

Asked if he could prove he was as good as any other player at the World Cup, he added: “I hope so, yes! I like to play with confidence. I believe in myself and I believe in the team as well.”