adminWAYNE ROONEY believes Italy should be running scared of England and hailed the current crop of talent as the best with which he has ever played.The striker delivered an upbeat assessment of the country’s World Cup hopes as he vowed to enjoy the tournament, which officially begins today when hosts Brazil face Croatia, rather than be burdened by the pressure of inspiring the nation.
Rooney rebuffed the notion England should be apprehensive about tomorrow’s meeting with Italy and Andrea Pirlo two years on from their penalty shoot-out defeat at Euro 2012, to insist the future is bright for Roy Hodgson’s side.
“Well, I think really the Italian players should be looking at us and how they can control our team,” said Rooney. “We’re not really too focused on Pirlo. He has been a fantastic player and Italy have got some great players, but we also have. They should really be more worried about our team.
“In terms of Italy, it is more or less the same squad so it will be an interesting game for us to see how we’ve moved on and how we’ve progressed in those two years.
“It is exciting. The younger players in not just the team, but the squad, bring a lot of energy and excitement and it is great to be a part of.
“It is probably the best squad of players I’ve been involved with since I’ve been with England.
“I am looking forward to this tournament and the future with England. It certainly looks bright.” — Express
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