How much is the rooney factor gonna affect the england's chances of winning the world cup?
595380
I think it's a huge factor, but England still have a lot of talented players...Sean Wright Phillips might get a chance now.  They've still got Lampard, Cole, Beckham, Crouch...
1006299
the bad luck that follows england in the penalties, especially against the germans is bound to end sometimes and may be this is the time. happened too many times in the world cup and in the european championships. the luck is bound to change. so, england will march on to the trophy.
1118506
According to me, Brazil will win the World Cup with players like Ronaldinho and Kaka. Other than them England have a great chance as Wayne Rooney is back from his injury.
419349
Probably not.\n\nBefore every world cup or european championships there is a lot of hype from the press, usually generated from one of the "star" players. In this case Wayne Rooney. They've got the heart to win it, but I'm not sure about the skill.\n\nI'd love to see them win it, but they'll get beaten in the quarters or semi's.
604539
No way! It's the English style- always lose a player right before the world cup in a stupid meaningless game when everything was already won. Even if United had won all 3 and Chelsea lost all 3 there is a 12 goal difference that United were not likely to make up. So why play Rooney the full 90 minutes? Stupidity
444973
The answer to this question is simple.  Brazil has all of the elements to win the world cup once again this year.  Their depth is their biggest asset.  That and they have the best player in the world with ronaldinho.  Their supurb play in qualifing only proved, once again that they are the class of the field.  I think England could make a push as well as Germany playing on home soil.  And for all of you americans out there we will be hard pressed to make it past Brazil in the second round.  Sorry!
670626
I think Totti will not be at the world cup, even though he is back and walking. Wayne Rooney has a better chance at playing yes he has a fracture yet his problem is not as big as Totti. Rooney is also younger and looks much stronger than Totti so I think that Rooney will be playing at the world cup.
1014653
Looking good so far and getting better. Winning, getting through without major injuries to players are key to making to the last stage. England will be there i feel because of exceptional Wayne Rooney - playmaker, striker extraordinaire.
658587
Sven Has really done it wrong you are right \nnow englandis suffering with no forwards,bent who played well has been overlooked and even defoe is out,walcott how did he come in he did not en=ven play a match,beckham may get to hold the cup if crouch and other england players manage to hold  on till owen and rooney makes a comeback\nthen england may go to win the world cup,even if they dont have rooney and owen for a while they do have lampard an agressive midfielder,joe cole another good midfielder,gerrard good schemer,beckham to supply crouch and walcott with good passes and crosses.\nengland have it all i think they can win the world cup man cheer up.\njoin my yahoo soccer group -  soccer_24x7 for more cool info
626287
wayne rooney is most likely out of the world cup because of his foot injury,which is said to be even worst than first thoought. but erikisson is still naming him on the sqaud with some hope that he will be ok. it would be really sad if he misses his first world cup with the big boys. as for michael owen he is said to be fit in time for the world cup so don't worry. any more details contact me at sweetasusual_07@yahoo,com. cool
1173371
If they are going to perform like they did today, then no. Although the heat was pretty intense and they were missing Rooney (who I don't think will actually contribute that much, despite all that talk). I think we're just going to have to wait and see how they perform in the next match. Hopefully, they'll give the world something worth watching.
515592
pre-world cup performance does not guarantee a world cup win. we can take the example of 2002 Japan Korea world cup, where Brazil struggled to qualify to become one of 32 nations to play the tournament, and then won the world cup for fifth time ! France and Argentina were the top favorites to win the cup, but they were eliminated in the first round. and what South Korea did? they played in the semi-final!\n\nwell, temperament will be the name of the game as soon as the world cup begins. tradition will come second. for such reasons, only 5 countries lifted the world cup for 15 times out of 17 tournaments followed by 2 countries won one time each.\n\nin my opinion, top contenders of this Germany 2006 are Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Italy. Holland could be the dark horse of the tournamentand hence, should be watch out carefully. If Wayne Rooney becomes match fit to play, England should be considered as a top contender too.\n\nAny of the above top contenders could win the world cup 2006.
540268
pre-world cup performance does not guarantee a world cup win. we can take the example of 2002 Japan Korea world cup, where Brazil struggled to qualify to become one of 32 nations to play the tournament, and then won the world cup for fifth time ! France and Argentina were the top favorites to win the cup, but they were eliminated in the first round. and what South Korea did? they played in the semi-final!\n\nwell, temperament will be the name of the game as soon as the world cup begins. tradition will come second. for such reasons, only 5 countries lifted the world cup for 15 times out of 17 tournaments followed by 2 countries won one time each.\n\nin my opinion, top contenders of this Germany 2006 are Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Italy. Holland could be the dark horse of the tournamentand hence, should be watch out carefully. If Wayne Rooney becomes match fit to play, England should be considered as a top contender too.\n\nAny four of the above top contenders would play in the final of the world cup 2006.
450959
They are arrogant cockneys mate. You will never change that. Cocky as hell when they are winning, cry like babies when they lose. They cant mix it with Europe's elite though, can they? What did TV say about Rooney, I saw what happened but couldnt hear anything - how serious is it?
1153858
'Blessed'. Hmm, there's a word.\nNo, let's face it, he isn't really fit, even though he has been given the all clear. I'm glad he can play though, as Rooney not being there can't be used as an excuse when they go out in the group stages..........England won't win the World Cup - ok?
1185506
I don't think England should use Wayne Rooney for the group stages, as they should save him for the knockout stages. The fact that he might be fit for the group stages means that that he will probably be fitter for the knockout stages than if he wasn't so fit for the group stages.\n\nCome on England!!!!!!!!
622578
Brazil have a bad record playing in Europe....\n\nEngland have a great chance, With or without Rooney.