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Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva insists Wayne Rooney's recent form
means England will still be among the contenders for this summer's
World Cup despite their recent problems.
England boss Fabio Capello has stripped John Terry of the
captaincy following allegations involving the ex-girlfriend of
Wayne Bridge, who has made himself unavailable for international
football.
With Ashley Cole also out with a serious ankle injury,
Capello's problems have been mounting - but Rooney's form has
caught the eye in the Brazil camp as they prepared for their
friendly against Republic of Ireland at the Emirates Stadium.
"Of course, we look at Rooney very closely, especially if we
have to face England," said Gilberto, who could face England in the
semi-finals in South Africa.
Comparing Rooney to the likes of Kaka, Lionel Messi and
Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Arsenal midfielder added: "You can
say he is at the same level as them. He is doing very well. Year by
year, he becomes better and better by the experience that he is
getting over the years and I am sure he can do a lot for England
this summer."
Gilberto does not feel England will be weakened by the recent
problems off the field.
"I think that is a concern but we cannot, as a possible
opponent of England, focus on that and think that this kind of
thing can disturb them," he said.
"England is a very strong squad, a very strong team. We know
that. Some of the England players are in very good form. They can
do a lot in South Africa. It will be a tough tournament for
everyone who wants to win. We will fight for it."
Brazil coach Dunga is putting the final touches to his
preparations before the tournament in June when his country look
for their sixth World Cup, with the friendly against Ireland seen
as an important test.
"Preparations have been very good until now," Gilberto said.
"We just have to try and keep going and doing a good job, doing the
right things.
"Ireland will be a good test for the team. For sure, we want
to finish this preparation before the last weeks to keep our
confidence very high.
"Every day, we feel very anxious because we come closer and
closer but it's important for every one to keep doing the job in
the right way, prepare in our clubs and then we will not lose time
when we get there."
For Ireland, they will be reminded of what could have been as
it is their first game since Thierry Henry's handball helped knock
them out of qualification at the play-off stage.
Gilberto added: "I feel sorry for the way they didn't qualify
and the way they were knocked out. But sometimes these things
happen and even though they aren't there, it will be a tough game
and a tough opponent for us."
Brazil coach Dunga insists the fitness of his players is his
greatest concern against Ireland - and he will make a host of
changes during the match to try to ensure his squad do not pick up
injuries.
He said: "The thing that is the most important for us is
bringing the players back to the clubs without injury. Some played
on Sunday, some 10 hours ago.
"The players might be tired and we need to ensure we don't
get injured. For the rest, it's normal - we'll make some
substitutions so that as many as possible can play. We don't want
players injured for the World Cup."
