Roo wrapped in cotton wool

Wayne Rooney’s fitness is a concern for England just three weeks before the start of the World Cup. According to reports, England’s coaching staff are monitoring his injured right ankle closely and have basically wrapped him in cotton wool in order to make sure he doesn’t suffer any relapse. England are due to play friendlies against Mexico and Japan in the coming week but it is still unclear whether the Manchester United striker will take any part in the matches. "I can leave some players out, but Rooney always wants to play,” commented Capello on Saturday. "If I tell him no, he says 'I want to play!', 'I want to train!' 'why you substitute me, I want to score!' It is good because he is an example to the other players, he is positive to be around." England open their World Cup campaign against USA on 12 June.