This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine.
Wayne Rooney played at the World Cup Finals of 2006, 2010 and 2014. He will be a studio analyst on BBC TV, while his podcast The Wayne Rooney Show will drop twice weekly throughout the tournament.
Here, he speaks to Radio Times about his expectations and predictions for the summer ahead.
This is the first World Cup where you’ve had a major broadcast/podcast role. Are you excited?
Yes! I did a bit at the Euros two years ago, to give me a taste of how it works. Hopefully it’s successful, especially if England reach the final. I really see them there. It’s a great squad and a top-class manager. We need to manage the climate all right, and the knockout stage could be difficult. The different scenarios mean it could be a better pathway if they don’t win the group.
Do pre-match broadcasting nerves compare with pre-match playing nerves?
I like being prepared for what I’m doing. There are some players from different teams where you want to get the name right. I said a Leeds player’s name wrong this season. [He pronounced Pascal Struijk’s surname as “Stoke” on Match of the Day, and the footage went viral.]
Sixty years on from 1966, do you think this is the moment for England?
Winning it is extremely hard – that’s why we’ve only done it once. I think we’re in a good shape and Gareth Southgate got the team to a place where now Thomas Tuchel’s come in as a world-class manager, he’ll hopefully give us that little bit more. Other sides should fear us. We’re one of the top four with Spain, France and Portugal.
What about Scotland, in their first World Cup Finals for 28 years?
Steve Clarke’s done a fantastic job. I see them going through to the knockout stage, and it’s always great seeing Scotland fans at a big tournament. They make it a lot of fun.
From your own experience playing in three World Cups, what advice would you give the players?
Enjoy it, which is more difficult than it sounds. I didn’t enjoy them as much as maybe I should have. You put a lot of pressure on yourself. When you’re enjoying it, you tend to play better.
Should fans dread a penalty shoot-out in the knockout stages?
Jordan Pickford is one of the best goalkeepers in the world who’s done well in England shoot-outs before, and we have fantastic outfield players to take the penalties. I’d be really confident with this group of players. As a player, it’s worse watching your team-mates take their penalties. With your own, you’re in control and you know what you’re doing.
Quickfire:
Who is going to win the World Cup?
I have to say England. Great squad, good manager.
Dark horse?
Ecuador are a powerful team, well suited to the climate and altitude.
Team you’re most looking forward to seeing other than Scotland or England?
France, actually, because having so many good players sometimes isn’t the best format for a good team.
How far will Scotland go?
They’ll get out of the group, maybe reach the last 16.
England’s key player?
To win it, a lot will be down to Harry Kane’s goals.
And Scotland?
Scott McTominay has some big moments, but John McGinn brings everyone together.
Player of the tournament?
For England to win it, Harry Kane.
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