FIFA World Cup 2010: Wayne Rooney Roars Before Algeria Match

Wayne Rooney insists England have seen nothing to scare them at the World Cup so far—but England’s talisman admitted: “Germany are the stand-out side so far.”

Speaking at their luxurious Bafokeng Sports Campus, Rooney echoed the global mood, saying: “Have we seen anything to be afraid of? Not at the minute no. All the games I’ve watched haven’t been that exciting to be honest. I’m hoping it gets a bit more exciting!”

England and Rooney are under huge pressure to beat African outsiders Algeria—beaten by Slovenia in their opening game—in Cape Town on Friday, where snow fell in the mountains last night as the southern hemisphere winter takes hold.

But there were clear skies at Phokeng as a reasonably sunny Rooney (above, at training with injured Ledley King) spoke to the media. Reacting to German Franz Beckenbauer’s comments that England had resorted to kick-and-rush football in their opening 1-1 draw with the US, he said: “Beckenbauer’s entitled to his opinion. He can think what he wants, we don’t play kick and run. We don’t really listen to what he has to say.

“International football is more difficult than it was even four years ago. African sides have improved, every game is tight, we have to concentrate to get a victory. I’m sure it will be a tight tournament.

“I didn’t know there was a North Korean Wayne Rooney, but they scored a good goal against Brazil. Brazil are solid defensively and good going forward. They’ll be difficult to beat.

“I think Germany look good, I was impressed with the Ivory Coast’s discipline against Portugal (0-0). All the games have been close, Germany (4-0 winners over Australia) are the stand-out side for me.

“Thomas Mueller got a goal, he works hard for the team. Mesut Ursil showed a lot of pace and composure. He’s a good player too.”

But enough eulogising about the Germans. The Manchester United striker, 24, who suffered minor injuries towards the end of the Premier League season in April and May, added: “It’s a long old season in England. I’d certainly welcome a break around Christmas time. That’s English football, it’s demanding. But other countries have got a lot of players who play in our league.

“We’re capable of beating anybody here. And we certainly didn’t play with fear against the US.

“Maybe there’s too much criticism of England. A draw at the end of the day wasn’t the worst result in the world. It gives us something to move on from, improve on. (Italy were happy with a draw against Paraguay).”

Though he scored 26 goals for United last season—second only to Didier Drogba in the Premier League—Rooney hasn’t scored for England throughout the build-up, apart from the last goal in a 3-0 friendly victory over local club Platinum Stars.

He said: “I’m just happy to be playing. Obviously I’d like to score. Don’t get me wrong. But I’ll keep working until I do get a goal.

“Fabio hasn’t mentioned anything to me about my discipline. I haven’t been booked for two or three years playing for England. I was disappointed to get sent off four years ago, but it’s not something I think of at all now. I’m not looking back.”

A children’s presenter asked if not having seven-month-old son Kai with him was a problem and Rooney grinned: “Not having my son with me will make no difference to me. He’s happy at home, I’m happy here.”

And then there’s the ball we’re all on first-name terms with: “We’re starting to get used to the Jabulani. It’s taken us a while! We’ve been using it, it’s light, must be a nightmare for goalkeepers! Every other team bar one in the tournament (Germany) has used it before, so it’s a fairly even playing field.”

England fans are waiting to hear whether West Ham’s Rob “Phokeng” Green, 30, will start in goal after his awful blunder against the US near Rustenburg. Young Birmingham stopper Joe Hart, 22, is on standby but Portsmouth veteran David James is apparently “out of favour”.

With Ledley King injured, coach Fabio Capello must also choose a new starting partner for centre-back John Terry. Jamie Carragher was unimpressive when he came on and West Ham’s Matthew Upson may start against Algeria.

With the English press angry over Capello’s late announcement of his line-up, Rooney said:

“I don’t think not knowing the team until two hours before the game has any effect on us. It’s no different at most clubs.

“(Aston Villa midfielder) Gareth Barry is fit, he’s good in possession, he’ll be a different option for us.”

And the final warning for Algeria: “Winning motivates me, that’s why I play football.”

Neal Collins is in South Africa to promote his first novel, A GAME APART, the real story behind South Africa 2010. For more information see www.nealcollins.co.uk .

Today's blog: Itumeleng Khune on Uruguay clash: http://neal-collins.blogspot.com