England striker Wayne Rooney says he is ready to play in the best Three Lions squad he has ever been a part of – and told Italy to watch out on Saturday.
The Manchester United man is a senior figure in the squad and he believes the young talent alongside him, like Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley, makes this England's best group of his time.
England v Italy
2014 FIFA World Cup
Group D
Arena da Amazonia, Manaus
11pm Saturday 14 June
Live on BBC1
“It's probably the best squad I've been involved in so it's great to be a part of. I am looking forward to this tournament and the future with England because it certainly looks bright,” he said.
The 28-year-old drew a line under speculation on how England can stop Italy: "Italy should be thinking about how to control our team. They have good players but so do we. They should worry about us."
He said of his own form: “I don't care what anyone says. I'm ready for this World Cup and there is competition for places and I am ready for that.
“Success and winning trophies is what motivates me, it always has, at club level and for England.
Wayne Rooney addresses media in Rio
“I want to be successful, it's a great honour just to play, so to be successful would be the greatest thing possible.
“I feel great. I feel 100 per cent fit and ready for the tournament. I'll be giving everything to help the team.”
Rooney said that club and country team-mate Danny Welbeck will be fit for Saturday's match with Italy.
“Danny will be fine,” Rooney said. “He'll be ready for Saturday. he just hasn't risked anything, he'll be available for Saturday, I'm sure.”
