Rooney Backs England for World Cup Final Despite Norway Concerns, Eyes Argentina Clash

Wayne Rooney has expressed confidence that England can go all the way to the World Cup final, yet he pulled no punches in critiquing their stuttering performance against Norway on Saturday evening.

The Three Lions scraped past their Scandinavian opponents 2-1 after extra-time to secure their semi-final berth, setting up a tantalising encounter with Argentina—assuming they navigate their last-four tie successfully. Should they overcome the World Cup holders, a final against either France or Spain awaits.

Thomas Tuchel's charges were well below par in their quarter-final clash, and Rooney was emphatic that such a display will prove insufficient against stiffer competition. Speaking on BBC Sport, the former England captain mirrored his manager's post-match assessment, suggesting the performance levels simply won't cut it on the grandest stages remaining.

"When you're facing a semi-final against quality opposition like Switzerland or Argentina, we need to demonstrate considerably more quality," Rooney explained. "The Mexico fixture was genuinely impressive and difficult to win in those circumstances. To advance into the final, we'll need to raise our standards significantly."

He continued: "Courage and character have carried us through, but at this level, you require technical excellence alongside mentality. Tuchel's comments after the whistle made it clear—to him and to the players—that the standard wasn't sufficient. He recognises that against such calibre opponents, a performance of that nature simply won't suffice. They'll dominate possession, force you into mistakes, and punish you ruthlessly."

Despite the reservations, Rooney acknowledged England's resilience in getting the job done. "We're naturally pleased to have progressed, though the showing wasn't impressive," he said. "What impressed me was Tuchel's honesty. The character these lads displayed got them through because, for substantial periods, Norway were genuinely the better team."

Rooney also raised eyebrows with a controversial claim about Norway's second goal, suggesting it came somewhat fortuitously for the home side.

Preference for Argentina

Intriguingly, Rooney revealed he'd prefer England to face Argentina rather than Switzerland in the semi-finals. "Our play lacked quality, tempo and rhythm, but having Jude Bellingham in your ranks always gives you hope," he noted. "Before the tournament began, I predicted there'd be a moment when we'd desperately need Bellingham—I referenced Steven Gerrard's Champions League final performance in 2005. When it mattered most, he delivered."

On the choice of opponent, Rooney was candid: "I'd sooner take on Argentina. Switzerland operate with such structural discipline and tactical rigidity that they could pose a genuine headache for us."

England now await their semi-final assignment, with qualification confirmed despite the unconvincing nature of their progression.