Wayne Rooney Will Lead England Past Italy in Euro 2012 Quarterfinals

Wayne Rooney returned to the England starting lineup in the team's final group stage match and scored the winning goal. That was just the beginning for the Manchester United star. He will back it up by leading the Three Lions to a quarterfinal win over Italy.

Rooney wasn't in top form against Ukraine, missing several chances he would normally bury in the back of the net. He was just playing his second game in 18 days, though, so he was likely dealing with the rust factor due to his suspension.

Now that he's got one game under his belt, he should have his legs back under him as England enters the knockout stages. For a team that had a wide range of expectations following the hiring of Roy Hodgson, winning the group was a nice accomplishment.

More importantly, it allowed the Three Lions to avoid Spain in the quarterfinals. Italy will be a tough opponent, of course, but the Azzurri aren't on the same level as La Roja right now.

That said, Rooney didn't sound concerned about any opponent in comments passed along by The Telegraph.

"

It doesn't matter who the quarter-final opponents are. The main thing was to get through the group and to finish top.

We know our qualities and what we're capable of. We've worked hard, done a lot of tactical play in training. We're difficult to beat and I don't think any team will fancy playing us.

"

It's that type of vocal confidence that every team needs from one of its main players. Rooney saying England will be a tough out should help his teammates believe it if they didn't already, because he's played enough high-pressure games to know what it takes.

Outside of Rooney, the biggest key for England will be maintaining control in the midfield. The Three Lions haven't been playing a picture-perfect style of football like fans will see from Spain or Germany, but it's been effective nevertheless.

It all start with Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker in the middle. They are both good playmakers, but they have also ensured the opponent's counterattacking chances are limited. That takes a long off pressure off the back line.

Then there's Joe Hart. The young goalkeeper has been the great equalizer during the tournament, helping erase most of the mistakes made by his defenders with a bunch of big saves. He's in terrific form right now and gives England a chance in any match.

Eventually, it all comes back to Rooney, though. The Three Lions will only advance as far as he can carry the offense. Although Italy was solid at the back during group play, the Azzurri didn't face a striker on the same level as Rooney, since David Villa was out for Spain.

Look for Rooney to have one of his best performances as a member of the national team to lead England to the semifinals, likely setting up a clash with tournament favorite Germany.