LUTON, May 13 — The Telegraph reported that Wayne Rooney’s determination to take the World Cup by storm has prompted him to take two fitness trainers with him on holiday to Portugal.
Roy Hodgson named Rooney as part of the 23-man England World Cup squad yesterday despite him missing the last three Manchester United games with a groin injury.
According to the Telegraph, Hodgson insisted there were no fitness worries over Rooney and revealed the 28-year-old had taken it on himself to ensure he was in peak condition.
“He’s going this week with two fitness trainers,” said Hodgson. “I don’t know exactly who, but Manchester United fitness coach Tony Strudwick has been in touch with us. He wanted to know about the pitch in Vale do Lobo. This is a free week, a week where players go off. Many do go to Portugal, where they have homes.
“Wayne is so determined to be up and running when we get there on the 19th. He’s going on holiday to Portugal. He’s not alone. A few of them are going out to Portugal, that’s where they go on their week off. They don’t all go to Dubai and Las Vegas,” as quoted in the Telegraph.
The daily further reported Hodgon as saying, “His attitude is that he’s desperate to be up and running on the 19th.
“I’m not as desperate for him to be fully fit on the 19th. I’m thinking more of the 14th of June for our first World Cup game against Italy, but it’s still quite laudable that that’s the way he thinks and I’m not trying to dissuade him. But if I do get there on the 19th and the fitness people say he needs two or three days, I won’t be shedding any tears.”
Rooney has enjoyed a hugely successful career at United and has scored 38 goals in 89 appearances for England. But he is desperate finally to perform at a World Cup, the Telegraph reported.
