Lampard says there is a danger in being negative about Rooney

Rooney was seen as key to England's chances but is a major doubt for the tournament after breaking his foot.

But Lampard said: "There shouldn't be any pessimism. There are a lot of reasons to be confident.

"We still have a great team, a squad full of top-class players and we are still in that bracket of teams who can win the World Cup."

Chelsea's Lampard has spoken to Rooney since the Manchester United player injured himself when the two were on opposing teams at Stamford Bridge last Saturday.

And, although Lampard is still hopeful the striker will be fit for the Germany finals, he says England cannot use Rooney's possible absence as an excuse if they do not win the World Cup.

"I spoke to him on Saturday night. He rang me to tell me the extent of the injury after the game," said Lampard.

Certain players might need to take more responsibility in certain areas Frank Lampard

"I spoke to him again on Wednesday and he said there are two breaks but it was the same situation as a couple of days ago, still the same healing process. So I'm hoping as he is that he will be fit.

He added: "We are all upset with the idea of not having Wayne and any team would miss him, whether it is England or Brazil.

"But we have to look at our squad. We have Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, John Terry, Joe Cole, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand at the back - I can go through every player in that team and there are fantastic, world-class players everywhere.

"We have great quality in this team that can go and win the World Cup.

"There is a danger of this negative feeling building up and the situation being used an excuse - that if we don't win the World Cup it will be because of Wayne Rooney."

Lampard is hoping that if Rooney is missing then other players in the squad will raise their game.

"We will have other ideas," he said. "We were prepared to do that anyway and I think now it may force that upon us.

"But I think we need to be ready to do that and however it changes, certain players might need to take more responsibility in certain areas, but I think we have the players to do that."