Cristiano Ronaldo has backed former team-mate Wayne Rooney to silence his World Cup critics.

Rooney has come under fire after two lacklustre displays in a struggling England side which needs to win their final Group C game against Slovenia on Wednesday to reach the last 16.

The Manchester United striker has drawn blanks against the United States and Algeria before earning the wrath of English fans and media following his sarcastic comments about booing supporters following the goalless draw against the North Africans on Friday.

However, Ronaldo firmly believes that Rooney - a player he spent five years with Old Trafford - will bounce back and silence his critics.

"Wayne Rooney tried very hard, he's always like that, but he didn't play alone," explained the Portugal captain.

"So it's difficult, when it's not coming, when you don't score a goal or play well, it is always the big players' fault.

"Wayne is a great player and will do a good job. He'll try very hard to do a good job."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email