Ahead of the friendly clash against Egypt, stand-in skipper Steven Gerrard says it is paramount England have a fit and firing Wayne Rooney at this summer’s World Cup (England 11/2 to triumph in South Africa in the outright market).

Gerrard, who will captain the Three Lions in the absence of Rio Ferdinand in Wednesday’s friendly (England 4/11, Egypt 8/1, the draw 7/2 on Wednesday’s match coupon) at Wembley, knows the in-form Manchester United forward could be the key man for Fabio Capello’s side out in South Africa.

Rooney took his tally for the season to 28 when netting the winner in Sunday’s Carling Cup final victory over Aston Villa, and Gerrard is hoping his fine run in front of goal continues for the national side in the coming months.

“For England, I hope Wayne can sustain the way he is playing until mid-July,” the Liverpool captain said. “From England’s point of view, if Wayne can continue that kind of form until the summer he is going to be a key player for us.

“Everyone will have their fingers crossed he can avoid injury and he is fit and in this form going into the World Cup.”

The friendly against Egypt is the last England game before Capello names his provisional squad for the World Cup in May.