STUTTGART, June 25 - Steven Gerrard backed striker Wayne Rooney to drive England to World Cup glory after the side's 1-0 victory over Ecuador in the second round on Sunday.

Captain David Beckham's free kick in the 60th minute took England into the quarter-finals but Rooney gave the team an added boost by completing the full 90 minutes.

"It will be crucial for the team if he keeps getting fitter and fitter," Gerrard said of Rooney. "If he gets a goal for his confidence as well I'm sure he can lead us all the way."

Rooney only made his comeback from a broken metatarsal in England's 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the group stages, coming on for the last half-hour.

He played 69 minutes in England's 2-2 draw with Sweden last Tuesday.

Rooney, playing as a lone striker against Ecuador after Michael Owen ruptured knee ligaments in the Sweden game, was England's most dangerous player in a lacklustre team performance.

"I thought he worked his socks off," said Gerrard. "I think he got better as the game went on."

Rooney himself agreed with Gerrard's assessment.

"It was a difficult game but the main thing was the result," he told reporters. "I think if I'm being honest probably the last 30 minutes felt better than the first 60.

"That's a positive thing for me and hopefully that will help me in the next game."

Rooney predicted the goals would start flowing soon.

"I think I've done well in the games I've played," he said. "All I'm missing now is a goal and I think that will come."

Rooney welcomed the challenge of playing Portugal or the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

Page:

1

2