Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira has expressed his belief that England striker Wayne Rooney can shine for the Three Lions during the World Cup.

Several pundits have questioned Rooney's place in Roy Hodgson's starting lineup for his side's opener against Italy next week.

However, the former Arsenal man is adamant that the 28-year-old should be in the team and feels that he will finally show his true quality at the tournament.

Vieira told reporters: "You need your best players to be at their best. Whether it's Messi or Ronaldo or Rooney for England. Your top player has to be at his best if you want to win the World Cup.

"This can be his best World Cup. Physically, he didn't play so many games so he can go to the World Cup being fresh mentally and physically. This can be his year."

Rooney has failed to score in his two previous World Cups in 2006 and 2010.