The England coach Fabio Capello and captain Steven Gerrard both say Wayne Rooney is in the right frame of mind to play against Switzerland on Tuesday night, with the forward saying he wants to play despite a tabloid storm around his private life.

The Manchester United player, 24, was in impressive form for his country against Bulgaria as they opened their European Championship qualifying campaign with a 4-0 win on Friday night.

His preparation to continue that form in Basle have been disrupted, but he said he is focused on the match and ready to play.

"He will play. I spoke with him and he will be in a good situation, I hope the performance will be the same I saw at Wembley," said Capello.

"During training he was really good, I spoke with him and he is happy to play. Knowing the players want to play is really important to me."

Gerrard, who will captain England in the match, suggested Rooney will be focused on the match.

"He's got an issue off the pitch put I don't think that will stop him from playing well," he said.

"I spoke with him today [Monday] at lunchtime and in training and Wayne's been fine. He's looking forward to the game and playing well.

"I think football can do that sometimes help you focus if you've got an issue of the field. Once the game starts Wayne will be focused on the field and getting the three points.

"Wayne's a big character. You expect big performances from Wayne every time he steps on the pitch. You saw that against Bulgaria. I expect another big performance from Wayne."

"Yeah he's got an issue off the pitch put I don't think that will stop him from playing well," the midfielder said.
"I spoke with him today at lunchtime and in training and Wayne's been fine. He's looking forward to the game and playing well.
"I think football can do that sometimes (help you focus) if you've got an issue of the field.
"Once the game starts Wayne will be focused on the field and getting the three points.
"Wayne's a big character. You expect big performances from Wayne every time he steps on the pitch. You saw that against Bulgaria. I expect another big performance from WayneYeah he's got an issue off the pitch put I don't think that will stop him from playing well," the midfielder said."I spoke with him today at lunchtime and in training and Wayne's been fine. He's looking forward to the game and playing well."I think football can do that sometimes (help you focus) if you've got an issue of the field."Once the game starts Wayne will be focused on the field and getting the three points."Wayne's a big character. You expect big performances from Wayne every time he steps on the pitch. You saw that against Bulgaria. I expect another big performance from Wayne."