Capello - No Rooney problem

Striker suffers stiff neck during England's win over Mexico

Last updated: 25th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

SKY BET ODDS
Wayne Rooney is 13/8 to partner Peter Crouch in England's World Cup opener against the USA. BET NOW

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Fabio Capello has played down fresh concerns over Wayne Rooney's fitness after the striker hurt his neck during England's 3-1 win over Mexico.

Rooney, who has been hampered by ankle and groin problems in recent weeks, suffered the neck injury towards the end of England's Wembley farewell before the World Cup.

The Manchester United striker was forced to play on for the closing moments of the friendly as England coach Capello had used all six of his substitutes.

However, the Italian was quick to dismiss any fears the problem could impact on the World Cup campaign and is now looking for Rooney to hit top form.

"He said he had a small problem in his neck, but it is not a problem," said Capello.

"He wanted to come off for the last two minutes, but I had made all the substitutions so it was impossible to change.

"Rooney is okay. At this moment he just needs to play and find his form."

And Rooney also shrugged off any worries about his fitness ahead of England's final World Cup warm-up game against Japan on Sunday.

He told Sky Sports: "I feel good, a bit of a stiff neck, but I feel good fitness-wise."

Post to your View!

Be the first to post a comment on this story

Add Comment*

Send us your views

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private