England fans were able to breathe a huge sigh of relief yesterday when Fabio Capello confirmed Wayne Rooney, their inspirational striker, is fit enough to spearhead the attack at the World Cup. The participation of the Manchester United striker had been shrouded in doubt following knee, ankle and groin injuries over the last two months of the English Premier League season. But Capello, the coach, issued a positive medical bulletin yesterday and was unconcerned by the fact Rooney has scored just once in his last seven internationals.
"Rooney is fine," Capello told Sky Sports Italia yesterday. "He's not been scoring recently, but I'm pleased with what he's doing in training because he's at 100 per cent. "One player doesn't make a difference and even though Rooney lifts everyone, it is the team that wins. "Above all when you play in a World Cup it is the team spirit that is the key." Following a near-perfect qualifying campaign, England have been installed among the favourites. But Capello knows from experience that pre-tournament predictions count for little. He was part of an ageing Italy squad at the 1974 World Cup that fell in the first round.
"We have to train well, want to win and be determined," Capello said. "It is enjoyable working with the players, they are very good technically and I am satisfied with the work we have done in this period." Meanwhile, Theo Walcott is hoping to be involved against Japan in Austria on Sunday, after which Capello will cut his squad from 30 players to 23. "Hopefully I can play again and have a good game," Walcott said. "I'm just trying to play well and train well and hopefully I'll be in the 23.
"We're not thinking about competing for places, we just want to get results. For me I just want to train well and if you train well hopefully you get a chance to play. "I don't think anyone's place is guaranteed yet so we'll be working hard like we did last week in training in Austria." At the other end of the pitch, Robert Green insists that not knowing who will be England's No 1 goalkeeper at the finals is fuelling a strong rivalry between the three hopefuls.
"We are all in the running and it shouldn't be any other way," said Green who is vying for the No 1 jersey with David James and Joe Hart. "There is a strong rivalry but it is something that's healthy. We're determined to keep pushing each other. "We are all getting on well and looking to take our chance when it comes. That is what the manager wants. "But whoever plays, the other two are behind him. We are encouraging each other, which is the best thing for England."
The England Football Association have shored up their management team by appointing Alex Horne as the permanent successor to chief executive Ian Watmore, who resigned amid a power struggle. Horne, who had been serving in a temporary capacity since Watmore's exit in March, will assume the new title of general secretary. * Agencies
