• World Cup

Rooney admits: 'I'd welcome a break'

Wayne Rooney insists his 2006 sending off against Portugal has been put to the back of his mind © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Rooney calls for Premier League winter break
  
• News: Barry fit to play Algeria
  

Wayne Rooney revealed Fabio Capello has not said one word to him about his discipline during the World Cup, but the Manchester United forward admits England would benefit from a winter break in the Premier League schedule.

Rooney addressed Wednesday's press conference to field plenty of criticism surrounding the England team's 1-1 draw with USA, not least from Clint Dempsey and Franz Beckenbauer. Dempsey claimed England played their first game 'in fear', while Beckenbauer accused the Three Lions of taking football back to the dark ages.

"I think they had two or three shots on goal from distance," Rooney said of Dempsey's comments. "They had one good chance, so I don't think there was any fear. We took the game to them, unfortunately we didn't get the win but we certainly didn't play with fear."

Switching focus to Beckenbauer, Rooney added: "That's his opinion. He's entitled to his opinion, but we certainly don't play kick and run and we don't take any notice of his comments."

Pressure has risen on Rooney's shoulders after he failed to live up to expectations against USA, too often dropping deep into the midfield. The United forward did not seem to have the same fire in his game that was seen so often at Old Trafford last season, and Rooney admits he could use a break.

"It's a long old season, that's for sure," Rooney said. "I'd certainly welcome a break around Christmas time.

"It's something we've been used to for years so we have to get on with it really. It's demanding for a lot of players, not just England's. There are foreign players who have to put up with it in the Premier League as well."

Rooney also feels England would have benefited from more practice time with the Jabulani ball but, on a different matter, he quashed suggestions that Capello gave him any special orders to keep his temper in check throughout the World Cup.

"He hasn't mentioned anything to me about my discipline. I'm perfectly fine, the last time I got booked for England was two to three years ago so there's nothing wrong with that.

"I was disappointed to get sent off four years ago. But I've forgotten it, I don't think about it at all, and I'm just trying to enjoy the tournament."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.