Rooney calls current England 'strike force' best in 10 years

England striker Wayne Rooney has said that England's strength in depth up front was the best he has ever known as the side prepared itself tot two key World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland.

According to Sport24, England might end up in a play-off or, worse still, fail to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since the 1994 finals in the United States, if they falter.

Goals will be at a premium but experienced Manchester United forward Rooney believes there are several players in the England squad who can help him share the burden, the report said.

He said that it was probably the best group of strikers the team has had since he has been in the squad, adding that Rickie Lambert was doing well for England, Jermain Defoe had been around for a while, and Sturridge and Welbeck brought a lot of energy.

England haven't beaten Montenegro in their three previous encounters and Rooney said it was down to the likes of experienced players such as himself and captain Steven Gerrard to keep the side calm and focused, the report added.

During Rooney's decade-long international career, England has only failed to reach a major tournament once, when Steve McClaren was unable to steer them to Euro 2008, the report further said.