Scholes refused to be rushed into England comeback

The Manchester United midfielder, who called time on his England career six years ago, decided against reversing his stance ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.

But yesterday the 35-year-old revealed the refusal had a lot to do with the timing of the enquiry from England's coach.

He said: "It's a big decision and I wasn't really given enough time to think about it, so I decided not to take up the offer.

"If they'd asked me earlier, I probably would have accepted.

"There are players in the squad who have spent nearly two years flying all around the world helping England qualify for the World Cup, whereas I haven't been involved for a long time," he added.

"It wasn't a case of wanting to go on holiday, it was the fact that I got the call so close to the tournament, and also I didn't want to take the place of someone who helped get England to South Africa.

"The idea just didn't sit comfortably with me."

Scholes also expressed sympathy for his clubmate Rio Ferdinand after a knee injury scuppered his chances of captaining England in South Africa.

"I really feel for Rio, especially getting hurt so close to the start of the action," added Scholes. "It's not just sad for Rio but for England as well because he is captain and an important figure."

Tim Howard has hailed Wayne Rooney as the best striker in the world but believes the USA's own forwards can trouble England in their World Cup opener in Rustenburg on Saturday.

Howard has first-hand experience of Rooney from their two years together at Manchester United before he moved to Everton in 2006 after the signing of Edwin van der Sar.

He has immense respect for the 24-year-old who is pivotal to England's hopes of doing themselves justice in South Africa during the next month. But Howard has also been impressed with the current USA front pair of Edson Buddle and Robert Findley who looked sharp during the weekend victory over Australia in Johannesburg.

Howard said: "I get asked if I am looking forward to facing Wayne Rooney. I don't think I ever look forward to facing Wayne Rooney. He is the best striker in the world and has enjoyed a fantastic season.

"He is a fantastic player, so I'll be very careful what I say.

"But we also have Edson and Robbie who are playing fantastic together, individuallly and collectively, with the way they are linking up. They looked dangerous against Australia and hopefully they will be dangerous for a few more games coming up.

"It seems everything Edson touches is a goal and Robbie is creating so many chances.

"It is important the guys are clicking for what is basically a three-game tournament (to qualify) – and those guys are at the moment."