We can go far - Rooney

Wayne Rooney claims England are 'hard to beat' and 'in with a shout of winning' Euro 2012 as he prepares to face Ukraine on Tuesday.

The Manchester United forward has sat out the opening two group games in Poland and Ukraine due to suspension. Roy Hodgson's men need just a point against the co-hosts in Donetsk to qualify for the quarter-finals after a draw and win against France and Sweden respectively. Hodgson has revealed that Rooney will start against Ukraine, probably alongside his United strike partner Danny Welbeck who scored the winner against Sweden on Friday night, and the 26-year-old feels confident the team can go far in the tournament. "I've said it before. I think we're good enough," Rooney said. "I know no-one wants to build up expectations but I firmly believe we've got the players. "Before the tournament started I said a country like ours needs to be in there with a shout of winning major tournaments. "Obviously you need a bit of luck as well, but we've got a good opportunity. We've got the squad and are more organised than we have been as long as I've been in the squad. "We are hard to beat now. If we keep doing that and keep working hard then there's no reason we can't go really far and be in with a shout of winning it." If England finish second in Group D they are likely to face world and reigning European champions Spain, but Rooney does not fear that daunting prospect. "You have to play the best teams if you want to win tournaments," he added. "How much of a boost would it be for us if we did play them and beat them? How much confidence would that give us? "We just have to cope."