Capello warns Rooney to show respect to referees

RUSTENBURG - England manager Fabio Capello wants Wayne Rooney to put up a disciplined performance and show respect to referees during the football World Cup.

Capello believes that Rooney has the “hunger” to shine in South Africa. Rooney was sent off during the quarter-final against Portugal in Germany four years ago.

The 24-year-old also showed signs of losing his cool during the practice match against Platinum Stars Monday and was booked for dissent.

Capello had a session with the Manchester United striker and wants Rooney to behave in the manner he did during the qualifying campaign.

“Wayne Rooney played all the qualifying games for the World Cup and had no problems with the referees. I hope we see the same Rooney during the World Cup. I have spoken with him but Rooney is a fantastic player because he wants to win. The hunger in him is very strong. But you have to be careful every time and also in this World Cup you have to be careful and respect the referees,” Capello was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph Saturday.

Rooney is a certainty in Capello’s starting line-up even though the players will not be told officially who is playing until two hours before kick-off. Capello believes England are ready to make a big impact in the tournament and is tipping them to reach their first final since they lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966.