Capello backs Rooney spontaneity

England coach Fabio Capello is confident that Wayne Rooney will enjoy a trouble-free World Cup after doubts emerged about his temperament.

Capello admits Rooney can get angry on the pitch if he feels a sense of injustice. The Manchester United star appeared to be wound up during the practice match with Platinum Stars when he was booked. It brought back memories of Rooney's sending-off in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in Germany.

But Capello believes the Manchester United striker will have his emotions under control as England gear up for tomorrow's opening game with the United States in Rustenburg.

When asked if Rooney is uneducated, Capello said: "He's spontaneous, not uneducated. He's instinctive and when he goes out on to the pitch he goes out to win.

"He's someone who gets angry when he's treated to something unfair.

"But he'll be fine for the World Cup, just as he was for the entire qualifying period."

Capello admits he has learnt from his own experiences as a player with Italy at the 1974 World Cup in ensuring England are fully prepared for the finals in South Africa.

He feels his squad are coming to terms with the altitude and is confident they can do themselves justice. He continued: "I was a player for Italy in 1974. I remember everything that happened. I studied everything.

"We have prepared with England every moment when we stayed in Austria and here, to not make the same mistakes than we (Italy) made in Germany.

"My team, I think, is okay. We arrived here at a good moment, we have trained really well.

"We had some problems to breathe with the games we played, but we trained and played well this evening in training. There were no problems. We were fresher.

"The players will be really focused, that's really important here."

Capello has stressed to his players not to take anything for granted against USA.

He said: "USA are really dangerous at set-pieces and corners. I respect all the teams. We have to play like a compact team."

Capello has joined the lengthy list of coaches and players who have voiced criticism of the ball being used in South Africa.

He said: "The balls are terrible.....terrible. It's impossible to control when you play long balls."