England's Rooney eyes World Cup trophy

England's Wayne Rooney has had the chance to get up close and personal with the World Cup trophy.

Rooney, took part in a photo shoot in London on Thursday with the prize, and with 30 goals already to his name this season, he hopes he can get his hands on it for real in July.

English footballer Wayne Rooney, seen here looking at the World Cup  trophy in London.(AFP/Carl de Souza)

The World Cup, making a visit to England but Manchester United's in-form England striker Wayne Rooney, who was at an unveiling ceremony in central London, was forbidden to touch it.

The solid 18-carat gold trophy appeared in London as part of an eight-month tour of 86 countries.

A FIFA rule says it can only be touched by heads of state - and former winners.