Rooney admits to poor form

England striker in confident mood

Last updated: 9th October 2008

Wayne Rooney England training

Rooney: In good spirits

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England striker Wayne Rooney has acknowledged that he endured a difficult start to the season.

Rooney was criticised for some ineffective performances in the first few weeks of the campaign with Manchester United.

However, he has returned to form over the last month, scoring in his last three games for United and netting in England's emphatic 4-1 victory over Croatia.

Rooney accepts that he has spent too much time tackling back in the past, but feels he has now struck the right balance.

He is hoping to cause some damage in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan but will be the first to hold his hands up if he has a bad game.

"Maybe sometimes the criticism has been fair," said Rooney. "I am self critical and watch all the games again. When I have not played well, I am disappointed and look for things to try and improve.

"As a centre-forward you do not want to be going too deep.

"But I also think it is natural to go looking for the ball if you are not getting it.

"Hopefully I can get on the ball in dangerous positions so I can stay upfield."

Message

Rooney linked up excellently with Emile Heskey and Theo Walcott against Croatia and he insists spirits are high ahead of the weekend.

He explained: "Meeting up this time is certainly different. Everyone is laughing and smiling and looking forward to the two games ahead.

"I just feel Fabio's message is starting to get through.

"I don't know why but for three years we have probably not played as well as we wanted and not won as many games as we wanted.

"Something definitely was not right. Hopefully under Capello that will change."

Walcott is set to be unleashed from the start once again and Rooney has backed the youngster to terrorise the Kazakhstan defence

"I am really pleased Theo got the chance to play in the last two games," said Rooney.

Something different

"He must still be on a high after that hat-trick against Croatia.

"It was so good to see him respond the way he did.

"I don't really have any advice for him. He just has to keep enjoying it and playing well because he will be a great asset for us.

"He brings something different compared to what we have had before."

Rooney is determined for England to build on their opening two wins by picking up maximum points over the next week.

"The last two games have gone really well for us but the next one is just as important," he urged.

"If we can add another three points to the six we already have, and then get a win in Belarus next Wednesday, it would be a brilliant start to our qualifying campaign."