Wayne Rooney, who has missed several games for Manchester United recently due to ankle and groin injuries, believes England could benefit from his enforced absence.
Rooney picked up the injury in United Champions League first leg against Bayern Munich, and he has been forced to sit out league games against Blackburn and Spurs.
“I’m pleased to have done well in a World Cup year but it’s been a difficult last couple of months injury-wise,” said Rooney.
“I’m disappointed to have missed a couple of games over the last few weeks.
“No one likes watching football if you’re a player, it’s difficult knowing you can’t influence the game. It’s frustrating.
“But if there’s any consolation I’ll probably be fresher for the World Cup, which will be good for me.”
Rooney’s form this season ensures he will be the focus of much attention in South Africa, although the striker insisted that England are not just a one-man team.
“We have a lot of world-class players in the team and a great manager,” he continued.
“If I get injured then so be it, there are other players there to do the job.
“There’s a lot of hype but that’s something you must live with.
“Success in South Africa would be to win the trophy. We’ve definitely got a good enough squad to do that.
“In the qualifying games we played extremely well and were disappointed to not win all the games.
“We’ll prepare well for the finals and hopefully we can bring the trophy back home.”
