• Euro 2012

Burnout no issue for Rooney

Wayne Rooney doesn't foresee a drop in performances come next summer © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Fergie predicts Rooney will break United record
  
• Profile: Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has insisted there will be no chance of him burning out by the time Euro 2012 comes around next summer.

England are one point from sealing their passage to next summer's European Championship and they can seal their passage with a positive result against Montenegro on Friday.

Rooney will likely play a key role against Montenegro, given the blistering start he has made to the current campaign. Continuing that form for the entire season will be a tough task and Rooney is aware of the need to take the foot off the gas on occasions to retain his sharpness.

England have yet to see the best of Rooney at a major championship, as he suffered an injury at Euro 2004, was undercooked for the 2006 World Cup after picking up an injury in April of that year and looked out of sorts at the 2010 World Cup after a starring campaign with United.

The fear is that he may have peaked by next summer, but Rooney has looked a more mature player this season and he has vowed to be in top shape for England's bid for major glory.

"I understand there are games during the season in which I will have to sit out and take a rest," Rooney told Sky Sports News. "But as a footballer you want to play all the games you can. There are no worries about burnout or anything like that."

Rooney feels England are benefiting from manager Fabio Capello allowing his forwards more freedom to roam.

He said: "The manger the last few games has sent us out there and wanted us to rotate, so there maybe times when I end up on the left or right, or a bit deeper. He wants us to have that rotation and movement and if we do not know when we are going to switch then the defenders certainly won't know."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.