Capello purring over liberated Rooney

LONDON - Fabio Capello was left purring with pleasure on Friday after witnessing a welcome return to form for Wayne Rooney as the England talisman orchestrated an emphatic defeat of Bulgaria.

The revitalized Manchester United striker reveled in a free role behind Jermain Defoe, helping his strike partner bag a hat-trick in a 4-0 rout of England's Group G opponent at Wembley.

It was in stark contrast to Rooney's miserable series of displays throughout the World Cup, where he proved to be one of the biggest disappointments of England's misfiring campaign.