Rooney can handle pressure – Shearer

FORMER England striker Alan Shearer is convinced Wayne Rooney will carry the burden of World Cup expectancy being heaped on his shoulders.

Shearer knows exactly what pressures Rooney is likely to be under in South Africa this summer as England try to lift the greatest prize in the game for the first time since 1966.

Shearer never seemed to have a problem and, having spoken to the prolific Manchester United man, he has no doubt Rooney will cope with ease.

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"A hell of a lot is on his shoulders but he can carry the burden," said Shearer.

"When you have done it for the biggest club in the world for the past 12 months, England will not be a problem. In fact he is relishing it. The more pressure that is heaped on him, the more he enjoys his football."

Shearer was in Manchester at the launch of the new Kitbag World Cup store, a special 7,000sq ft department dedicated to the greatest show on earth, which begins in Johannesburg on June 11.

Once the England captain, Shearer only got one shot at the tournament himself, in 1998, although he was part of the England side that reached the semi-finals of Euro '96.

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And with Rooney to lean on, he believes Fabio Capello's men can do even better.

"Rooney has been awesome. He has had a magnificent season," he said. "He is in the top three in the world without a doubt. At times he has carried Manchester United."