Peter Crouch: 'No pressure on Wayne Rooney at World Cup'

Stoke City striker Peter Crouch believes that Wayne Rooney will not have pressure weighed on his shoulders during England's World Cup campaign in Brazil.

Due to the squad including the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Crouch believes that Rooney can relax.

"They won't have respect for people and will just go out there and do what they know they can do," Sky Sports News quotes Crouch as saying. "It will certainly benefit us and Wayne.

"The last two World Cups have all been about if Rooney stays fit then we are going to win it. The pressure was ridiculous on him, but now we have other players in the squad.

"I can't even remember Rooney being mentioned too much in the lead up to this World Cup. I think taking a bit of pressure off him and letting him enjoy his football can only be a good thing."

Rooney missed Manchester United's last few Premier League games due to a groin injury, but is expected to be fit for the tournament in South America next month.