Michael Owen has no doubts Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney can handle the pressure of carrying England's hopes at next month's World Cup.

Rooney can make or break England's chances in South Africa.

"There is an expectation," Owen told the Daily Mail. "The nation is saying we need Wayne Rooney playing well otherwise we have no chance.

"But he is man enough to take it. He wants to be the best and he knows he is very good. He also has had a hard season. Let's hope he has a little bit more energy to give before he has his holiday after the World Cup."