Wayne Rooney feels England (11/2 with Betfred to win the tournament) may benefit from his recent injury lay-off, with the striker believing he could be refreshed for the World Cup.

The Manchester United frontman has missed two of the last three games after suffering an ankle injury and then a groin problem.

Rooney (9/1 to be the World Cup’s top goalscorer) is expected to miss this weekend’s trip to Sunderland for United, but is still hopeful of featuring in the final game of the Premier League season at home to Stoke.

The 24-year-old, who won the PFA Player of the Year award on Sunday, is even more upbeat though over his World Cup prospects.

Rooney admitted: “No one likes watching football if you’re a player, but if there’s any consolation I’ll probably be fresher for the World Cup, which will be good for me.”

Make sure you keep a close eye on all of Betfred’s football betting markets in the run up to this summer’s World Cup finals.