World Cup

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Attendance: 62,575

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 19, 2014 at 8pm UK

Uruguay
2-1
England

Suarez (39', 85')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Rooney (75')

Sir Trevor Brooking: 'Wayne Rooney will deliver'

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter

Published: June 18 2014 | 23:01

Last updated: June 18 2014 | 23:06

Sir Trevor Brooking backs under-fire striker Wayne Rooney to perform in England's crucial World Cup clash against Uruguay on Thursday.

Sir Trevor Brooking has expressed his belief that Wayne Rooney will fire for England in their crunch World Cup clash with Uruguay on Thursday.

The 28-year-old has been widely criticised for his performance in the Three Lions' opening-game defeat to Italy, but Brooking is confident that the Manchester United striker will shine in Sao Paulo.

Brooking told Sky Sports News: "Obviously there is a lot of focus on Wayne, but I think what is useful now is that he is in a good frame of mind and relaxed, compared with perhaps 2010 in South Africa [when] he was a bit tense.

"This time, if he is selected tomorrow, he is ready to deliver and the fact you've got the two Dannys (Welbeck and Sturridge), Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley means it is actually taking the weight off Wayne.

"If I was the opposition, I wouldn't be able to say, 'I will put two men on Wayne' because I would be worried about other players. That is something we probably in England haven't had for a while."

Rooney has yet to score in the World Cup, despite playing in his third tournament.