World Cup

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Attendance: 39,800

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 14, 2014 at 11pm UK

England
1-2
Italy

Sturridge (37')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Marchisio (35'), Balotelli (50')

Alan Shearer: 'Italy clash will be Wayne Rooney's biggest England game'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter

Published: June 14 2014 | 22:58

Last updated: June 15 2014 | 14:21

Former England striker Alan Shearer claims that Wayne Rooney will be playing his "biggest game" for the Three Lions in tonight's Group D opener against Italy in Manaus.

Former England striker Alan Shearer has claimed that Wayne Rooney will be playing his "biggest game" for the Three Lions in tonight's Group D opener against Italy in Manaus.

The 28-year-old, who has scored 39 goals in an England jersey, has been named in Roy Hodgson's starting XI against the 2006 World Cup winners, on the left-hand side of attacking midfield behind Daniel Sturridge.

Shearer told BBC Sport before the game: "This is Wayne Rooney's biggest game for England.

"He has to go out and perform and score goals. If England don't get a good result you can imagine what the press will be like and Wayne will bear the brunt of it.

"He scored in a recent friendly against Ecuador and you saw the relief on his face. Now he needs to do it when it matters."

Rooney has not scored a goal in 594 minutes of World Cup football, but is hoping for a scoring streak in Brazil.