England striker Wayne Rooney has revealed that he is "determined" to perform at next year's World Cup having failed to do so in the previous two editions of the tournament.
Rooney scored one of the goals that sealed England's place in next summer's event during Tuesday's match against Poland, meaning that he has now scored more World Cup goals than any other player in the country's history.
However, all of those goals have come in qualification, with Rooney still awaiting his first in the actual finals. In 2006 he was troubled by a metatarsal injury before being infamously sent off against Portugal, while he also failed to find the net in South Africa four years later, creating more controversy when he criticised his own fans for booing a draw against Algeria.
The 27-year-old is eager to put those experiences behind him, however, and finally perform on the biggest stage in world football.
"I'm very determined to do that. That is what I have wanted to do in all the other tournaments and it hasn't happened. I have always been determined to do well and I want to try to help England be successful," Rooney told PA.
"I won't put any added pressure on myself but obviously I want to try to perform."
Rooney has won 86 caps for England since his debut a decade ago, scoring 38 goals.
Barney Corkhill
