We know we can't repeat our mistakes – Gerrard

Rooney's temperament has come under the spotlight after his booking for invective aimed towards the referee during England's practice match with Platinum Stars on Monday.

England's opening game against the United States is now just over 24 hours away and FIFA last night made it clear that players risk being sent off if they swear at officials.

The Brazilian match officials who will take charge tomorrow have even taken a crash course in English so they can punish any players who verbally abuse them.

Referee Carlos Simon and his two assistants, Altemir Hausmann and Roberto Braatz, have learned 20 swear words in readiness for the match between the two English-speaking nations at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

"We have to learn what kind of words the players say," Hausmann said. "All players swear and we know we will hear a few.

"We can't do this in 11 different languages but at least we have to know the swear words in English."

FIFA official Alex Stone confirmed all referees will be able to comprehend and communicate in English in South Africa, meaning they should understand any language – however colourful – uttered by members of the England squad.

"One of the seven cautionable offences in the game is foul and abusive language," he said. "And one of the sending-off offences is actually an upgrade to serious foul and abusive language or making gestures.

"The referees and assistants at this World Cup have been training since 2007. As well as the physical preparations, the fitness tests, rules of the games and other aspects of that whole training programme, one of the requirements was a proficiency in English. They have to have a sufficient level of English to officiate at the World Cup."

England captain Steven Gerrard last night stressed that Rooney and the other England players are aware of the need to maintain their discipline – or risk throwing away the chance of glory.

Gerrard dreams of lifting football's greatest prize on July 11 but he knows England's chances will be reduced if they suffer repeats of previous tournaments when key players have been red-carded.

David Beckham was sent off against Argentina in 1998 and Rooney himself was dismissed against Portugal four years ago – two games England eventually lost in penalty shoot-outs.

Gerrard said: "We understand the refereeing is going to be really serious and tight in this tournament so we have to make sure we are all on our guard and disciplined.

"We have experienced in previous tournaments when we have gone down to 10 men, that it doesn't help.

"I am sure every player is aware of that and we have a responsibility to ensure we keep 11 men on the pitch at all times. The manager has stressed that many times.

"It is important we channel our frustrations in the right ways, do it with the ball at our feet.

"If we are angry on the pitch, we have to make sure we don't take it out on referees because it could be vital. You lose a man or get too many yellow cards which lead to suspensions, and it can cost you.

"We are heading into the tournament with the majority of the squad being fit and available and we want to keep it that way. We want to go into each game with everyone available for selection."

Inevitably, much of the focus in terms of temperament will focus on Rooney, who looked wound up in the practice match against Platinum Stars and was booked for dissent.

Gerrard knows Rooney could lose some of his edge as a player if he is subdued but equally is aware of the importance of not losing the services of the Manchester United striker through ill discipline.

The Liverpool midfielder said: "Wayne understands the situation. He is a fantastic player. We don't want to take any of Wayne's fire away from him because that is the type of player he is.

"He is always on the edge and that is why he is one of the best players in the world.

"Wayne just has to make sure he controls his frustrations in the right manner and takes it out on the opposition rather than referees."

Gerrard believes dealing with the swearing issue should not be a problem given that the Premier League have already clamped down on such behaviour.

He said: "You can't get away with it in the Premier League nowadays.

"Refereeing has become more and more strict and you realise as a player it is important not to disrespect the referee in that way.

"If referees are clamping down on swearing at the World Cup then you just don't swear, do you? That's the answer to that.

"In this day and age, it is important we show the refs respect and you don't use any language towards them or you are going to be booked and then the team suffers.

"Everyone has to be on their guard."

Gerrard admits the excitement levels are growing among the England players as their opening game approaches. He said: "You can see the boys around the place getting more excited each day and talking about it more and more.

"There is still a bit of preparation to go but we will be ready come the kick-off to go out and put in a good performance.

"The boys have worked really hard in Austria and here preparation-wise for this tournament.

"The first game is close now and we are chomping at the bit. We can't wait to get going."