England boss Fabio Capello says Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is in the top three players in the game.

Capello admits he needs Rooney to avoid injury if England are to make an impact at this year's World Cup.

He said: "Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney are the three best players in the world at the moment. Their styles are completely different. One is fast, one has lots of imagination.

"Rooney is more strong, he runs a lot and helps everyone, and this year he scored many goals. I think he is one of the best but those three are really young and they are the best players for the future.

"I hope he will be in the same form during the World Cup and that he will be fit and not injured because he is one of the most important players."