Manchester United star Roo has failed to hit the net in England's three matches so far.
But Gerrard believes he is ready to burst into life — and Germany better watch out.
The Liverpool midfielder said: "It is only a matter of time before Wayne scores in this tournament and hopefully that is tomorrow.
"I have every confidence that he will play well tomorrow because he played well in the last game and he is looking really sharp in training.
"The pressure is not just on Rooney but all the team - but top players put pressure on themselves.
"I am sure Wayne does so in his own spare time."
Three Lions boss Fabio Capello agrees with Gerrard.
The Italian said: "Wayne is training very well and scored a lot of goals. We hope tomorrow will be the same.
"Always Rooney is a very good player. He didn't score in the last few games but always he is a very important player for us with his movement and everything he does during the game."
Gerrard insists England will be ready for all eventualities tomorrow - including the last 16 meeting going to penalties.
England suffered the heartbreak of losing the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96 semi-finals to Germany on spot-kicks.
But Gerrard added: "We are very confident going into the game. We are on the back of a good performance against Slovenia.
"The mood is good, we have prepared hard for this game and we will do whatever it takes to get across the line into the last eight.
"It is going to be a very difficult game. Ideally we want to win the game in 90 minutes but if we have to go to extra-time and penalties, we will be ready."
Gerrard is aware of the expectations back home and the pressure on the players to perform.
But he is relishing the challenge ahead rather than being fazed by the encounter.
He said: "The experience helps in being ready for this game.
"I have been involved in massive games throughout my career and that will hold me in good stead.
"There is a lot of pressure because there is so much at stake but it is more excitement and I am looking forward to it. I can't wait to get out there for the game."
Capello has faith in his players to deliver the victory England fans are desperate for.
He said: "It is a very important game, one of the more important, because we want to go forward and play the next game.
"I know the value of Germany but I also know the value of my players.
"The pressure is normal when you play the World Cup and the players understand that as well."
0 comments:
Post a Comment