Capello offers Rooney backing

England coach confident Owen won't be missed

Last updated: 5th September 2008

Fabio Capello England Chelsea v Tottenham

Capello: Plenty to think about

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Fabio Capello has backed Wayne Rooney to rediscover his best form and goalscoring touch in England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Italian's decision to leave Michael Owen out of his squad has surprised many, considering an international record of 40 goals in 89 games and the fact Rooney has yet to hit top form this season.

Capello is confident though that Rooney, without an international goal since scoring against Russia 11 months ago, can fill the breach, starting against the minnows of Andorra in Barcelona on Saturday.

Better fitness

He said: "It is very important for Wayne Rooney to be perfect physically. For the game against the Czech Republic he was not fit. Now he is better physically.

"But he has to score a goal. Psychologically, goals are very important for forwards and if you don't hit the target then it is a problem.

"However, it is not only Wayne but all the other players. It is not important who scores the goals individually but that the team manages to score them."