England manager Roy Hodgson believes the World Cup in Brazil this summer is the perfect opportunity for Wayne Rooney to show the world what a “magnificent player” he is.
Hodgson was speaking to the FA’s website about the Manchester United forward and truly believes this will be the time that Rooney delivers on the world stage.
The England manager said: “I think with Wayne, it’s a great opportunity this year to really show, on a world stage, what a magnificent player he is.
“I can say without too many fears on contradiction that on the world stage he hasn’t exploded as he has maybe on our national stage, where we all accept him as being an outstanding player.”
Rooney has endured some bad luck when it comes to international tournaments. He broke onto the scene as an 18-year-old in Euro 2004 and scored four times before suffering an injury in the quarter-finals.
In the World Cup two years later he nearly missed the tournament through injury before being sent off as England exited the tournament disappointingly.
And in the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 many felt he failed to perform to his true potential.
Hodgson hopes his star forward won’t be tired following a gruelling Premier League campaign and expects the 28-year-old to display the outstanding form he has shown all season.
“Certainly the message to him is, ‘this is your chance’,” said the experienced international coach.
“Yeah, sure you’ll be a bit tired, but so will (Luis) Suárez, so will David Luiz and a few of these guys as well, because they are also playing in the English Premier League and, like you, they are playing every game.
“I just rejoice at the moment that he’s playing so well.”
