Why England's Wayne Rooney Needs to Succeed at the World Cup
England puts pressure on its star striker to succeed.
— -- England's Wayne Rooney, who earned the most lucrative contract for Manchester United last season, has the enviable -- or unenviable -- position of being the object of affection and obsession in his country as the country prepares to compete in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Robert Tuchman, president of sports marketing firm Goviva, called the 28-year-old Rooney "a legend on the world stage" who earns about $20 million a year at his club team.
"I think it's a bit sad that the country is so Wayne Rooney-obsessed," said England coach Roy Hodgson, according to the Associated Press. "I don't think Wayne sets himself up to be anything other than a very important member of the squad who tries his best at all times."
2014 FIFA World Cup TV Schedule
Rooney scored 21 goals in 46 games during the 2013-14 season, which includes games played for Manchester United as well as for England. However, he also received nine yellow cards.
The combination of his skill and short temper will be exciting to watch at the World Cup.
England will need Rooney’s help if they want to reach the knockout stage, as there are joined in Group D by Uruguay, Italy and Costa Rica. The former teen prodigy may draw inspiration from the tattoo on his right forearm -- an album title by his favorite band The Stereophonics: "Just Enough Education To Perform."
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