Wayne Rooney insists World Cup victory remains the aim for England
Few give Roy Hodgson's side a chance at next summer's tournament in Brazil
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Your support makes all the difference.Wayne Rooney is desperate to end England's long wait for World Cup glory.
England will be reminded of their 47-year long failure to win a major competition on Friday night when Sir Geoff Hurst hands Frank Lampard a golden cap to commemorate his 100th appearance for the Three Lions.
England have barely come anywhere near matching the famous achievements of Hurst and Co in 1966, but Rooney wants that to change as soon as possible.
Barring injury, the 28-year-old will lead the line for the Three Lions in Brazil next summer.
Critics, and the FA's own chairman, do not believe England stand much of a chance at the World Cup, but Rooney is determined to prove them wrong.
"We want to try and do what no team has done since 1966 and win a major trophy," the Manchester United striker told thefa.com.
"That's the aim for us all and that's what we hope we can do."
After damaging draws against Ukraine, Poland and Montenegro, England left it until the final qualifier to guarantee their place at Brazil 2014.
But, England qualified unbeaten, scoring 31 times and conceding just four goals in the process.
That record gives Rooney reason for optimism ahead of what would be his third World Cup.
He added: "It's been a good campaign, the aim was to finish top of the group and that's what we done. We played some good football in some of the games and we dug in in others. Overall we are pleased with the way it went."
For all the intrigue surrounding the likes of Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and Ross Barkley, Friday night will be Lampard's night.
The Chelsea midfielder earned his 100th cap against Ukraine two months ago, but he has had to wait for the chance to pick up the special golden cap which has been awarded to every centurion since David Beckham entered the 100 club in 2008.
Lampard, Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard have also passed the 100-cap mark during Rooney's time with the national side and he feels it has been a privilege to play with all of them.
"They are players who are always here and want to play for their country," said Rooney, who has 86 caps to his name.
"It's great that we've had so many, the likes of Steven, Frank, Ashley who have all got their hundred caps, then I'm not too far behind.
"I'm proud to play for my country and we are always here and always want to do well. When you are a young lad you play and try to get into your club first team, then do well enough to hopefully play and represent your whole country."
PA
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