Former England striker Alan Shearer has claimed that Wayne Rooney will be playing his "biggest game" for the Three Lions in tonight's Group D opener against Italy in Manaus.
The 28-year-old, who has scored 39 goals in an England jersey, has been named in Roy Hodgson's starting XI against the 2006 World Cup winners, on the left-hand side of attacking midfield behind Daniel Sturridge.
Shearer told BBC Sport before the game: "This is Wayne Rooney's biggest game for England.
"He has to go out and perform and score goals. If England don't get a good result you can imagine what the press will be like and Wayne will bear the brunt of it.
"He scored in a recent friendly against Ecuador and you saw the relief on his face. Now he needs to do it when it matters."
Rooney has not scored a goal in 594 minutes of World Cup football, but is hoping for a scoring streak in Brazil.
Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte
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