England coach Fabio Capello says he isn't afraid of dropping Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Rooney hasn't scored in his last eight outings for club or country since he hit United's goal in the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich on the night he was injured.

Capello added: "Rooney is not untouchable and I can also change things during the game. I will prepare we for this very important game that stands before us.

"But, yes, I am surprised that the players are not coping with the pressures.

"How can I improve the performance of the team? That's a good question. In training it's perfect. When we play it's not the same.

"The fear of the World Cup is in the minds of the players. It's incredible.

"These are not the players I know. I want to see the spirit of the team. It hasn't been there during the World Cup."