Harry Redknapp is adamant that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney needs to start for England in their opening World Cup clash against Italy on June 14.

Questions over Rooney's form at an international level arose once again after he failed to make an impact during the Three Lions' 3-0 victory over Peru at Wembley on Friday.

However, Redknapp believes that Rooney should be first on the teamsheet for Roy Hodgson in Manaus.

"I can't see him not starting, but it's up to Roy obviously, but for me he's got to start because we're not overloaded with world class strikers," Redknapp told the London Evening Standard. "We need Rooney, we need him playing well, and if he is then we're a much better team."

As well as Italy, England will also play Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D.