• World Cup

Capello dismisses Rooney fitness fears

ESPN staff
June 19, 2010
Wayne Rooney has cut a frustrated figure at the World Cup © Getty Images
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Fabio Capello has dismissed suggestions that Wayne Rooney is carrying an injury, with the England boss insisting the forward's problems are in the mind.

Rooney threw in one of his worst performances in an England shirt during the disappointing 0-0 draw with Algeria on Friday. Nothing worked for the striker and his frustration boiled over at full time when he fired a verbal volley the way of the fans for booing the team.

The sight of Rooney failing to control the simplest of passes prompted questions that all was not well with his fitness, but Capello claims the only thing the striker has to overcome are mental demons.

"He is completely fit," Capello said. "He has trained and he has been on the pitch for as long as any other player. He is perfect.

"The problem is in the mind. I know this. I was a player. I remember these moments. In the mind you are okay. Then you get to the pitch."

Capello is being urged to make changes for the final group game with Slovenia, but Rooney's place in the team seems guaranteed.

"Wayne is a good player," Capello said. "He is always dangerous for the opposition because of his movement and general play.

"I know he gave the ball away a lot yesterday and some of his passes were not good but he is still an important player."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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