Steven Gerrard thinks England's progress in the World Cup depends on Wayne Rooney's continued improvement from injury.

Rooney played the full 90 minutes in England's 1-0 win against Ecuador on Sunday as he continued to work his way back to full fitness after breaking his metatarsal two months ago in Manchester United's Premiership defeat to Chelsea.

Midfielder Gerrard said after England secured a quarter-final clash against Portugal: "It will be crucial for the team if he keeps getting fitter and fitter.

"If he gets a goal for his confidence as well I'm sure he can lead us all the way.

"I thought he worked his socks off. I think he got better as the game went on."

Rooney said of his display: "It was a difficult game but the main thing was the result. I think if I'm being honest probably the last 30 minutes felt better than the first 60.

"That's a positive thing for me and hopefully that will help me in the next game.

"I think I've done well in the games I've played. All I'm missing now is a goal and I think that will come.

"We haven't really played our best yet and we're still in the quarter-finals. We know we're not far away from it. But I think this is where the competition gets really tough and we'll have to be at our very best."