Petraeus wants Rooney to go MIA against US at WCup

General David Petraeus, the commander of United States' military operations in the Middle East, has a jovial suggestion for England coach Fabio Capello ahead of the World Cup match against the Americans.

Petraeus says Capello should ``rest Wayne Rooney on Saturday night so he is refreshed for those other games.''

The general was speaking Wednesday at a conference in London organized by the Royal United Services Institute. British troops are currently fighting with U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

Petraeus praised the delegates at the event for their attendance, ``given that any self-respecting British citizen should be checking their satellite reception and reserving their seats'' for the game in Rustenburg, South Africa.