It's Italy who should be worried about England before World Cup crunch says Wayne Rooney
Three Lions star reckons Hodgson's men are now better than Saturday's opponents, who knocked them out of Euro 2012 on penalties
Wayne Rooney reckons Italy should be frightened of England ahead of Saturday's World Cup showdown, writes John Cross in Rio De Janeiro.
Rooney even insists that his Three Lions side have moved ahead of the Italians, who they face in their Brazil 2014 group-stage opener in Manaus on Saturday night.
The Manchester United striker also says Roy Hodgson's men are not worried about Azzurri dangerman Andrea Pirlo, who was man of the match when they knocked out England in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.
Rooney said: "I think we have (moved ahead of them). The team, not just the team but the squad, is a youthful one - a lot of energy and excitement.
"In terms of Italy, it is more or less the same squad so it will be an interesting game for us to see how we've moved on and how we've progressed in those two years.
"It is great to be a part of it. It is probably the best squad of players I have been involved with since I have been with England.
"Italy should be looking at how they control our team. We are not really focused on Pirlo. He's been a fantastic player and Italy have some great players, but they should be more worried about our team."
Rooney admits his previous two World Cups - he did not score a single goal in the finals in 2006 or 2010 - were a letdown, but says he has never felt better and insisted that there will "no excuses" this time.
He added: "I'm ready for this World Cup. I'm focused. I feel, honestly, great and better than I have done for years. If I can play my game, I'll do well. I know that.
"I have no excuses. I know the other tournaments haven't gone well for me and, if this one doesn't, I'll have no excuses. I've prepared for it."
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