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Wayne Rooney
Sand and deliver: Wayne Rooney, in Qatar for Saturday’s showdown with Brazil, says England can get even better under Fabio Capello

We’re not the finished article, admits Wayne Rooney

Simon Johnson
12 Nov 2009


Wayne Rooney believes England have to get a lot better if they are to stand a chance of lifting the World Cup in South Africa.

England have made giant strides under new coach Fabio Capello after missing out on qualifying for Euro 2008 and made it to next year's tournament with two games to spare.

However, defeats by Spain and France and a draw with Holland have left question marks over their ability to compete with the world's top teams.

Rooney feels Saturday's high-profile friendly with five-time World Cup winners Brazil in Doha gives England the opportunity to show they can beat the best. He said: "Of course we are in with a chance of winning the World Cup. But there is a lot of hard work to do yet and there is a lot of improving that we have to do if we are going to win it.

“Our results have been better in qualification than they have in friendlies. We did beat Germany but Brazil are No1 in the world and this is a massive game for us.

“We need to play some good football if we are going to win.”

But Brazil star Kaka, set to feature against Rooney on Saturday, reckons England are already good enough to go all the way.

He said: “I have no doubts that England can do it. As much as this game will award no points it can work as a massive confidence boost when you beat an opponent also tipped to prevail next year.”

With England already missing Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard through injury, today's news that Frank Lampard is also out with a thigh injury is a major concern.

The Chelsea midfielder picked up a knock in training this morning and is flying home after having the injury assessed by the England medical team.

Lampard was set to speak at a press conference in Doha today, but was replaced by Jermain Defoe after sustaining the problem.

Capello will not be calling up a replacement.

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