Great expectations: England manager Fabio Capello believes his side are good enough to reach the World Cup final

But Capello also believes Rooney has the "hunger" to shine in South Africa as England prepare for Saturday's opening game against the USA in Rustenburg.

Rooney was sent off during the quarter-final against Portugal in Germany four years ago.

The 24-year-old also showed signs of losing his cool during the practice match against Platinum Stars on Monday and was booked for dissent.

Capello has spoken to the Manchester United striker and wants Rooney to behave in the manner he did during the qualifying campaign.

The Italian said: "Wayne Rooney played all the qualifying games for the World Cup and had no problems with the referees.

"I hope we see the same Rooney during the World Cup.

"I have spoken with him but Rooney is a fantastic player because he wants to win.

"The hunger in him is very strong to win.

"But you have to be careful every time and also in this World Cup you have to be careful and respect the referees."

Rooney is a certainty to be in Capello's starting line-up even though the players will not be told officially who is playing until two hours before kick-off.

Capello believes England are ready to make a big impact in the tournament and is tipping them to reach their first final since they lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966.

He said: "All the players are ready to play and focused to play. I hope tomorrow will be a really good moment for us.

"The challenge is to win. We have to win, no more.

"We are happy, the confidence of the fans is really big, because of the results during qualification.

"The expectation after a long time (without success) is really big and I am sure the team is good enough to reach the final this time.

"Usually the first game is hard because of the expectations and the pressure is big.

"We have been here for eight days, we have trained very well."

Capello has a full squad to choose from, with midfielder Gareth Barry sufficiently fit to be named among the substitutes.

Capello said: "I am very happy because all the players are fit. I think the players here are the best in England.

"They have the desire and appetite to go all the way. They are happy and okay at this moment.

"Physically they are okay and the mind is really focused on this game."

Regarding Barry, who suffered an ankle injury at the end of last season, Capello said: "He has been training normally for three days and has trained hard.

"He will be on the bench, but I am not sure of the first 11 (if he will play)."

Capello revealed a fear among some players of being injured ahead of the World Cup was a factor in their poor performance against the Stars.

He said: "I was not happy after the first game we played here in South Africa and I spoke with the players the day after.

"They told me they sometimes have a fear of being injured during this game."

Capello also played down speculation that his spat with a photographer at the training camp this week was a sign of him feeling the tension of the World Cup.

He said: "There is no sign of tension. We were not happy with one photographer because he was taking photos of the dressing room and that was not good."