Gerrard - Rooney will behave

Steven Gerrard: England captain can see Wayne Rooney is ready to perform at Euro 2012

Steven Gerrard is confident Wayne Rooney will 'behave himself' against Ukraine and does not need to fire up his England team-mate for the final Euro 2012 group game.

Rooney has missed England's opening two fixtures against France and Sweden through suspension after being sent off in the final qualifier against Montenegro.

He was red-carded for kicking out at an opponent and it has prompted renewed questions about the Manchester United striker's temperament, and ability to handle a hostile environment.

Co-hosts Ukraine are certain to provide a raucous atmosphere in the Donbass Arena on Tuesday evening, but Rooney has already insisted there are no problems with his attitude.

"Obviously we need him on the pitch. He is aware of that and he regrets the reaction when he got the suspension. I am sure he will behave himself well."
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England captain Gerrard also has no concerns about Rooney and believes the forward is ready to make his mark on the European Championship.

World class

Gerrard said: "Everyone knows what Wayne Rooney is all about. He certainly makes us a lot more threatening going forward and he is a world-class player.

"I know Wayne quite well, I am very close to him and I can see in his eyes that he is itching to get out there and perform.

"Hopefully he can play very well tomorrow night and be the difference.

"I'm not going to tell Wayne not to be fired up for this game. That is what Wayne is all about, pressing, being aggressive in the right way.

"The reason he is world class is because of what he has shown up to today.

"Obviously we need him on the pitch. He is aware of that and he regrets the reaction when he got the suspension. I am sure he will behave himself well."