MX23RW : Saturday, July 6 21:44:30| >> :60:1424:1424:

Patrick Vieira: 'This can be Wayne Rooney's year'

Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira feels that Wayne Rooney can finally produce for England in the World Cup after a low-key season with Manchester United.

Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira has expressed his belief that England striker Wayne Rooney can shine for the Three Lions during the World Cup.

Several pundits have questioned Rooney's place in Roy Hodgson's starting lineup for his side's opener against Italy next week.

However, the former Arsenal man is adamant that the 28-year-old should be in the team and feels that he will finally show his true quality at the tournament.

Vieira told reporters: "You need your best players to be at their best. Whether it's Messi or Ronaldo or Rooney for England. Your top player has to be at his best if you want to win the World Cup.

"This can be his best World Cup. Physically, he didn't play so many games so he can go to the World Cup being fresh mentally and physically. This can be his year."

Rooney has failed to score in his two previous World Cups in 2006 and 2010.

ID:158825: cacheID:158825:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2044:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
England midfielder David Beckham gives the thumbs-up to fans after winning their World Cup qualifying match against Andorra, Wembley Stadium, in London, England, on June 10, 2009
Read Next:
Beckham confident England can advance
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Tuesday, July 9
 
8pm
Semi-Finals
Spain
vs.
France
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!