Wayne Rooney admits early season criticism was ‘fair’

Wayne Rooney says some of the criticism of his early-season performances has been fair.

The England striker is in fine form ahead of Saturday's World Cup clash with Kazakhstan.

Rooney has scored in his last three games for Manchester United, in addition to the goal he got in the Three Lions' staggering 4-1 win over Croatia in Zagreb.

His hot streak has overshadowed a sluggish start to the campaign, which saw him left out of Sir Alex Ferguson's side against Bolton.

"Maybe sometimes the criticism has been fair," he said.

"I am self critical and watch all the games again. When I have not played well, I am disappointed and look for things to try and improve.

"As a centre-forward you do not want to be going too deep.

"But I also think it is natural to go looking for the ball if you are not getting it.

"Hopefully I can get on the ball in dangerous positions so I can stay upfield."

Rooney will win his 47th cap at the weekend, a reminder of how far he has come since becoming England's youngest player when he made his first appearance against Australia in 2003.