England’s Wayne Rooney has played down claims that he is struggling with injuries ahead of the World Cup.
Rooney, 24, had ankle and groin problems last season and also suffered from a stiff neck in England’s 3-1 friendly win over Mexico on Monday.
But he said: “Fitness-wise I feel good. I have been in every training session with England since we got together.
“I haven’t got an ankle problem, that story’s a load of rubbish. I had a bit of a stiff neck but that should pass.”
After being hampered by injuries towards the end of the campaign, Rooney suggested that he may have an advantage over the other players.
“Do players feel jaded after a long season? Of course, it’s a long season for everyone,” he stated. “I’m quite fortunate in I haven’t trained a lot in the last six weeks.
“I have had a full week’s training at the England training camp in Austria and I felt good out there.
“It can sometimes be a bonus having a break during the season. Fingers crossed it will be.”
