Rooney is notorious for wanting to play every game for both club and country.

Within 24 hours of his first son Kai Wayne being born last Monday he was knocking on Ferguson's door, demanding to be included in the Champions League tie with CSKA Moscow that night.

And he is one of only three members of what would be regarded as Fabio Capello's first-choice England side who remain in Qatar following Frank Lampard's withdrawal yesterday.

Despite concerns of burnout, Rooney has no intention of easing off.

However, he accepts at some stage of the season Ferguson may decide he needs a rest.

"No, not really," he smiled when asked if he ever considered playing within himself to preserve his energy.

"We are trying to win the league at Manchester United, which is important to me.

"If anything, after losing at Chelsea on Sunday, we have to try even harder now to pull the gap back.

"But I am sure there will be games when I will have the chance to be rested.

"I would prefer to play but if the manager decides to rest me, it is his decision."

It is hard to imagine Rooney being denied his first appearance against Brazil tomorrow.

The mere mention of the most popular team of all conjures up all kinds of star names.

For Rooney, Romario and Ronaldo were the main men, players he feels he needs to emulate by winning the World Cup to stand comparison with.

"There are players like George Best and (Cristiano) Ronaldo who are geniuses," he said.

"But if you want to be compared to players like Romario and Ronaldo and be up there with them, I feel you have to win a World Cup.

"Ronaldo was one of the best, if not the best, forward ever. When he was at Barcelona, the things he did were incredible.

"In later years, Ronaldinho and Kaka were both world player of the year.

"For me to be considered among that group of players, I must win the World Cup with England."