England World Cup flops get Fifa thumbs up

The Manchester United frontman failed to score a single goal in England's four-game disaster in South Africa despite all the hype surrounding his first appearance at football's premier showcase.

However a report by the Fifa technical study group has praised Rooney in glowing terms, describing him as a "hard-working, energetic striker; worked hard for team; good technique."

Rooney didn't have much competition - the team only managed three strikes in four games, scraping a 1-0 win over Slovenia, drawing 1-1 with the United States and getting a single consolation goal in the 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany that forced their Cup exit.

Fifa described that result as a one of the "major shocks of the tournament" alongside France and Italy's early return home.

The only England striker to score in South Africa was Spurs hitman Jermain Defoe, with the other goals coming from defender Matt Upson and terrier-like Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard was also singled out by Fifa for being a "dynamic midfielder with good vision and technique, who linked defence and attack," while defender Ashley Cole was praised as being a "competitive left-back with good technique, made forceful attacking runs."

Fifa's assessment of the side will raise eyebrows with the long-suffering England faithful - although few could argue with the football governing body's assessment of worthy winners Spain.

Study group director Jean-Paul Brigger described the title-holders as "a complete team, arguably contenders for team of the century."