Rooney fears no-one at World Cup

Striker Rooney is a vital part of Eriksson's England squad

Wayne Rooney believes England are capable of beating any of their rivals at this summer's World Cup finals.

Manchester United striker Rooney, 20, said: "I don't think we need to fear anyone. This is probably the best group of players we have had since 1966.

"There is a mixture of youth and experience in the team.

"We are going into every game confident we are going to win it and, hopefully, we will be in the same situation when the World Cup comes round."

Rooney is vital to England's chances and has been in sparkling form for Manchester United in preparation for the World Cup finals in Germany.

England are one of the favourites and Rooney believes it is a justifiable tag, with the squad the national team manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has at his disposal.

"We have a lot of match-winners, which can only help, and the spirit is certainly the best it has been since I have been involved in the squad," added Rooney.

England are in the same group as Paraguay, Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago for the initial stages of the World Cup.

"I cannot wait for the World Cup to come around," said Rooney.

"Hopefully, from now until the end of the season I can keep myself fit, free from injury and can go to the World Cup fresh."