Taylor says Rooney is key

England launch their FIFA World Cup campaign on Saturday against the United States and in the latest of our series of previews with Graham Taylor the former manager assessed the current team's chances of success in South Africa, asserting that Wayne Rooney is key to their hopes.

Taylor, who was England manager for three years from 1990 to 1993, told the UEFA Training Ground: "Wayne Rooney, it goes without saying, is a very talented player. He is maturing now, he has become a father, and when you see him interviewed there is a maturity. In effect I think England do have a special player."

Taylor's analysis of England is one in a series of FIFA World Cup features on the UEFA Training Ground, with the one-time Aston Villa FC manager also discussing the merits of Germany, Italy and European champions Spain, as well as the factors you need in your team to be a serious contender for success.