Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has dubbed England ‘burnt-out, tired and stupid’ – as Wayne Rooney hoped to be fit for Sunday’s World Cup showdown.

England’s failure to win Group C means they will meet Group D winners Germany in the last 16 match in Bloemfontein, after yesterday’s 1-0 win against Slovenia.

Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as coach and player, would rather have seen the two sides collide later in the competition, but his words will further crank up the ill-feeling between the old foes and be seen to write Fabio Capello’s team talk for him.

He said: “Stupidly, the English have slipped up a little by finishing second in their group. A game like this should be a semi-final, not a last-16 game. The English look a little tired.

“There is a good reason for that: the Premier League players have got to play far more games than their Bundesliga colleagues, including two national cup competitions.

“Therefore, when it comes to a World Cup or a European Championships, they are burnt out.

“Our players, on the other hand, seem to be in a physically better condition.”

It’s the second time in this World Cup that Beckenbauer – dubbed the Kaiser – has criticised England, branding them a long-ball outfit after the 1-1 draw with the United States.

Rooney was walking freely as England players returned to the training ground today.

The striker appeared to be hobbling when leaving the plane at the team’s base in Rustenburg last night, but the United striker is confident of making it.

He added: “My ankle will be OK.”

Rooney was replaced by Joe Cole in the 72nd minute, after appearing to hurt the same ankle that suffered ligament damage at the end of March playing for Manchester United.

The striker was assessed by England’s medical staff today and Capello is also confident he will be fit, adding: “I think Wayne will be OK for Sunday.”