World Cup glory would be 'icing on the cake' - Rooney

By Matt Hill

Oct 17, 2013 7:47:00 AM

The Manchester United striker admits that he has underperformed at past major tournaments but is determined to do his part to lead England to success in Brazil next summer

Wayne Rooney says that helping England to achieve World Cup glory next summer would be the "icing on the cake" for his career.

The Manchester United star admits that he has underperformed at previous major tournaments after struggling with suspension and injuries - with a return of five goals in four competitions and just one since Euro 2004.

Rooney's performances against Poland and Montenegro were described as "immense" by Roy Hodgson as England qualified on Tuesday night and the striker is keen to prove the England manager right in Brazil.

"I think it's my 10th or 11th year playing for England so the obvious goal is to try to be successful and win trophies so that would obviously be the icing on the cake," the forward told reporters.

When asked how determined he was to show his talents on the world stage, Rooney replied: "Very. That is what I have wanted to do in all the other tournaments and it hasn't happened.

"But I have always been determined, I want to do well and I want to try to help England be successful. I won't put any added pressure on myself but obviously I want to try to perform and that is what we all have to believe that we can do."

Having been described as the 'Golden Boy' of English football as a youth star, Rooney, now 28, says that the new generation have relieved the pressure.

"The younger players have taken that off me now," he observed. "We have got so many exciting players, you look at [Danny] Welbeck, [Daniel] Sturridge, [Andros] Townsend, [Ross] Barkley, [Jack] Wilshere coming in.

"There is a mix of talent so it's important we can use all of them and the qualities they have got to try to be successful." ------------------ goal.com