World Cup

Wayne Rooney hoping for scoring streak during World Cup

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 13 June 2014

England striker Wayne Rooney hopes that his goal in the 2-2 draw with Ecuador will prove to be the catalyst for a scoring streak during the World Cup in Brazil.

England's Wayne Rooney is hoping that his goal in the friendly against Ecuador will prove to be the catalyst for a purple patch in front of goal during the World Cup.

The Manchester United forward scored for the first time in five international matches in the 2-2 draw in Miami last week, calming calls for him to be dropped.

However, Rooney does not understand why there was criticism over his form, with history suggesting that one goal often prompts him to go on a scoring streak, something that he is targeting in Brazil.

"I hope it can be the catalyst," Rooney told the London Evening Standard. "If the way previous years have gone in terms of scoring in bunches... if that happens, then that will be great.

"I remember somebody saying I hadn't scored for six games and I was playing in a deep-lying midfield role for those matches, which seemed a bit unfair. It is something I have never really understood."

Rooney has scored 39 England goals in 92 appearances, making him his country's fifth all-time leading scorer.