Rooney's return to form can end Germany's World Cup dreams: Klinsmann

London, Jun 26 (ANI): Former Germany player and manager Jurgen Klinsmann is hoping that ace striker Wayne Rooney doesn't return to form during the Sunday clash against his country or else the Germans' World Cup dream will end in Bloemfontein.

"Rooney is working very hard and doing a great job for the team on the field. He was unlucky to hit the post against Slovenia and I think it is only a matter of time before he scores in this World Cup," he said.

Klinsmann said: "It is not something that goes through our mind that we have won previous games against England with penalty shootouts. I think it is more on the English side that this topic is always brought up. When you are on the losing side, it obviously brings more stress when you try to digest it."

He said that England can reach the quarterfinals if they play as they did during the qualification rounds for the tournament, The Sun reports.

"We are talking about an England team that, when they are up to it and have reached their capabilities, is an outstanding team. Just look at the players. You have Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard and then Wayne Rooney up front. England have players who can really make a difference."

"They have had their problems in South Africa but many teams have had difficulties. Take Italy, France and Spain. England showed during qualification that they can play, so we are not going into the match just looking at them from their last three games," he said.

"The first thing is to get through the group stage and then you begin the tournament. England have done that, so I am expecting them to give us a big fight on Sunday. They will now have far more energy and far more self-confidence after beating Slovenia," Klinsmann said. (ANI)