After an element of experimentation with Rooney during his first two games as England boss, Capello intends to use the 22-year-old's talents to their best effect against the United States at Wembley on Wednesday night.

"Wayne Rooney is very important to us," said Capello. "His potential is huge but he can do better."

Capello is convinced Rooney is best suited to operating just behind a main striker. And it seems certain Dean Ashton will be used as the foil, with Rooney ghosting around the penalty area.

"In my opinion, his best position is as a central striker, just behind the person who plays up front," Capello added.

"That way he can play with his face to the goal rather than his back. You need someone more advanced but then have someone who can move around him. It is good for Wayne because he knows he must score more goals."

If he can find the best position for Rooney, Capello should then be a significant step closer to solving the conundrum involving Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, which so perplexed Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren.

The presence of Lampard under Capello for the first time means interesting team selection and formation are guaranteed.

It is Rooney that Capello spent most time musing over though, agreeing wholeheartedly with Sir Alex Ferguson's opinion that the former Everton star is too committed for his own good.

"I have spoken with Rooney maybe three times now. And I've said to him that he is too generous," said the Italian. "He has been trying to do too much. He needs to play in the best position for him and needs to be more selfish."