Rooney reflects on poor form

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The England striker is in fine form ahead of Saturday's World Cup clash with Kazakhstan having scored in his last three games for Manchester United, in addition to the goal he got in the Three Lions' staggering 4-1 win over Croatia in Zagreb.

His hot streak has overshadowed a sluggish start to the campaign, which saw him left out of Sir Alex Ferguson's side against Bolton and he admitted: "Maybe sometimes the criticism has been fair."

He added: "I am self critical and watch all the games again. When I have not played well, I am disappointed and look for things to try and improve.

"As a centre-forward you do not want to be going too deep.

"But I also think it is natural to go looking for the ball if you are not getting it.

"Hopefully I can get on the ball in dangerous positions so I can stay upfield."

Rooney got the ball in enough dangerous positions to terrorise Croatia, producing what was probably his best performance in an England shirt.

With Theo Walcott providing rapid pace on the right and Emile Heskey acting as a perfect foil for Rooney in attack, England were a team transformed, not just from the bad days under Steve McClaren but the early performances under Capello.

"Meeting up this time is certainly different," said the United man. "Everyone is laughing and smiling and looking forward to the two games ahead. I just feel Fabio's message is starting to get through."