Ruud Van Nisterooy believes Fabio Capello could win the World Cup for England - even without Wayne Rooney.

The Hamburg striker is back in England for the second leg of his club's Europa League semi-final against Fulham tomorrow.

And having lifted the La Liga title under Capello with Real Madrid three years ago he remains convinced that the Italian with the Midas Touch can end England's 44 years of hurt on the international stage.

Rooney has been struggling with ankle and groin injuries in recent weeks, setbacks which have undermined Manchester United's Champions League bid.

Now fears are growing that he could struggle to be be fit for South Africa, but Van Nistelrooy insists Capello will be more focused on the impact of the team rather than one man.

He said: "I think Rooney can make the difference between making the quarter-final and scoring a goal and the semis.

"In his position in England at the moment there is no-one better than him. But if, for one reason or another he can't play, you know Capello will find a way."

Capello was sacked from Madrid after clinching the La Liga title in his first season after the club - pining for a free-flowing but barren Galactico era - declared itself unhappy with his defensive style.

Capello, however, went on to take over at England with the nation qualifying easily for the World Cup as one of the highest scorers in the qualifying groups.

Van Nistelrooy added: "I was so disappointed when he left Madrid. I told him that. I was really gutted when he left because I felt there was so much more in there for us if he had stayed. I really had that sensation and that's what he has proved with England as well.

"I spoke to some of the English lads about him before he started work and I told them: 'He is going to turn it around and he is going to be unbelievable for England'.

"And that's what he does. He is a successful manager and he achieves things."

Van Nistelrooy also paid tribute to Capello's man-management skills, which even motivated David Beckham to fight his way back into the Madrid line-up after being banished to the reserves.

The Dutchman continued: "At the time in Madrid Becks was out of the side because he signed for LA Galaxy, but after that he kept training and working and Capello played him again. That is what he is. He is very clear in that sense."

Even Rooney has admitted that it was at Capello's behest that he focused his game more on playing in the centre-forward position for United following the departure or Cristiano Ronaldo from Old Trafford. The result has been an explosion of goals.

Capello has also managed to get Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard playing effectively together in the same team and Emile Heskey is also a key man in his strongest, successful line-up.

Van Nistelrooy went on: "He is a character. You have maybe noticed it about him too. When he walks into a room there is a presence there. It is his way or the highway - that is also the thing.

"He walked into a very difficult dressing room at the time at Madrid - with Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos and all these stars. But he took a young left-back from the second team and played him because he was training hard and deserved his place. That is his thing - everyone is equal.

"Players like that. They never say they do but deep down they do. He is tough, he is direct and he will tell you what he wants. In the beginning you may pull a face but deep down you know that he is right. He knows what is necessary to get the best out of players."

Incredibly, Capello is once again on Madrid's shortlist for a return to the Bernebeu with current coach Manuel Pellegrini under pressure.

But Van Nistelrooy believes his former club have missed their chance. He went on: "I don't think England will lose him. Especially given what he has achieved so far in a relatively short period of time which is, I think, impressive.

"It depends on the World Cup but I think he can build up something very very good at national level for England.

"I have a very special relationship with him after just one season and also with his staff. That's what he does - he's always very loyal to his people."