Wayne Rooney can finally establish himself as a world-class performer by taking Brazil by storm but he will only achieve that if he takes my advice: calm down and relax.
He has underperformed in the major tournaments but I simply don’t agree with people like Alan Hudson, who suggested Roy shouldn’t take him to Brazil because he has been such a huge letdown in the past.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions… but not taking Rooney? No, I don’t agree with that at all but I would tell him that to reach his peak, he needs to play his normal game.
I would talk to him and tell him that his problem is that he tries too hard and it shows. He needs to be as natural as he can, enjoy himself and have the right approach to the game at the very top level because he is a world-class talent and hasn’t done himself justice.
With the right approach, the right attitude and the right coaxing he can do it. And if that happens this summer, then there is every chance England will surprise a few people.
He is still England’s No1 striker and if he plays well, the team play well.
Roy isn’t blessed with seven or eight top-class goalscorers to even consider leaving Rooney at home. We are more thin in that area than I can ever recall, so if Rooney is fit then he is a must along with Daniel Sturridge.
Pick Rooney, as I am sure Roy will do, and he has a great opportunity to prove himself at the highest level at long last.
* Glenn Hoddle is technical director of the Elite Legends Cup tournament at Brisbane Road on Sunday with the greatest legends from Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal and West Ham. Tickets still available from leytonorient.com and F30legends.co.uk
* Williamhill.com make holders Chelsea favourites.
* Glenn Hoddle is part of ITV’s World Cup team and a pundit for Sky Sports
