England's former manager Steve McClaren believes Wayne Rooney will be vital for England in South Africa. With him nearing full fitness their world cup betting odds are shortening by the week!

Rooney has dismissed any doubts about his World Cup fitness, describing concern about his ankle as "rubbish", which will come as a huge relief for England fans.

"England have a fantastic squad with great players and a great togetherness and that is one thing they have kept over the years and now, under Capello, over the last couple of years, they have really drawn on some form and go to the World Cup as one of the favourites to win it," McClaren, 49, said.

"Do I think they can win it? They are one of six or seven countries that are capable of winning it, but to win a major tournament you have to have so many things going in your favour.

McClaren said that "the key things are that we have to keep the best players fit - the likes of Rooney and (Frank) Lampard and (Steven) Gerrard and (John) Terry, (Rio) Ferdinand - that you get the rub of the green, referees' decisions, and the stats show there will be at least one penalty shoot-out.

"That is the difference between going through and winning a World Cup and losing it and going home early. I'm not sure I'd even put a world cup free bet on England without Rooney."