Former England coach Steve McClaren says Manchester United star Wayne Rooney can emerge from next month's World Cup as the game's best player.

McClaren believes England's chances rest solely on the 24 year-old's shoulders.

"I think Rooney has been the key man for a couple of years with Manchester United, and he is coming to the fore for England," said McClaren.

"You talk about there being six or seven teams that can win it. There are also six or seven players who are world-class who can win the title of the best player at the World Cup and Rooney is certainly one of them. To lose him would be a big blow. I hope he stays fit."