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Wayne Rooney admits England need to be more clinical if they are to beat Iceland

SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE - JUNE 20: Wayne Rooney of England shoots at goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between Slovakia and England at Stade Geoff
Image: Wayne Rooney says England need to take their chances against Iceland

Wayne Rooney says England's strikers need to be more clinical when they face Iceland in the last-16 of Euro 2016 on Monday.

Roy Hodgson's side dominated possession in all three of their Group B matches but finished second in the table after being held to disappointing draws by Russia and Slovakia.

Sturridge 'to play a big part'
Sturridge 'to play a big part'

Alan Smith expects Daniel Sturridge to start for England in their Euro 2016 clash with Iceland

England are likely to face another stubborn defence against Iceland, who are yet to lose a match at the tournament.

However, Rooney expects England's strikers to convert their chances when the two sides meet at the Allianz Riviera in Nice.  

"I think sometimes that's football, it just happens," said the England captain. "I think on the other side of the coin, you can be positive.

Jamie Vardy of England and Martin Skrtel of Slovakia compete for the ball
Image: England were held to a goalless draw by Slovakia in their final group game at Euro 2016

"We've dominated the three games we've played, we haven't always done that. We know if we keep getting chances, we'll score goals.

"I'm sure tomorrow [Monday] we'll get those chances and we'll need to take them. We're in the knockout stages of the tournament and we haven't got much more time to be wasteful."

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England head into the match as strong favourites against a country with a population roughly the same as Coventry.

"Fair play to Iceland, they've done well in this tournament and are a difficult team to break down," Rooney said.

"We'll have to be at our best to win, we know that. We'll have to move the ball quickly and take our chances when they come. We respect Iceland and I think the size of the country is just a number.

SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE - JUNE 20: Wayne Rooney (R) and Jordan Henderson (L) of England are seen during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between Slovakia and
Image: Rooney is yet to score at this summer's tournament

"They put the same amount of players on the pitch as we do so it's a fair game in that respect."

Much of Iceland's hopes rest on the shoulders of Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, who was the island nation's top scorer in qualification with six goals.

However, Rooney insists England are focusing on the whole of the Icelandic squad, rather than on certain individuals.

England v Iceland
Image: Rooney insists England are focusing on the whole of Iceland's team, and not just Gylfi Sigurdsson

"I don't want to talk too much about him," the Manchester United striker said. "He's a fantastic player, he's been very good over the past few years in the Premier League.

"He's a dangerous player, he can score goals from set-pieces and open play. But as I said before we're concentrating on the whole team and not just one player."

Rooney also hailed the attitude of Raheem Sterling, who had been criticised by some sections of England's support following a couple of lacklustre displays in the group stage.

England show their dejetion after conceding late against Russia
Image: England show their dejection after conceding late against Russia

"For me, what I've seen, his state of mind is fine," Rooney said. "He's been normal around the camp and what we've seen on the training pitch is Raheem Sterling.

"He's been fantastic, sharp, taking players on and scoring goals. There's no issue with Raheem whatsoever - his attitude has never been questioned in training.

England v Russia - Group B: UEFA Euro 2016
Image: Tottenham striker Harry Kane has struggled in France

"He works hard, he stays behind after training. He's a huge asset to us because he's a fantastic player and someone who can turn a game in a split second. If anyone is questioning his attitude or his state of mind they would be mistaken."

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