Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney expects to start tonight against Barcelona in Gothenburg.

After playing two matches to help England reach the Euro 2012 quarter finals where they suffered another agonising penalty shoot-out defeat, this time to Italy, Wayne Rooney is relishing the prospect of a clash with Barcelona ahead of the new campaign.

Rooney said: "It's great to play in big games and Barcelona is one of them.

"It's all part of our preparation and we need to make sure we do the right things. We want to enjoy the game and get our fitness ready for the first game of the season.

"The result, in some ways, isn't the most important thing. What's important is the fitness and the sharpness."