England [Images] striker Wayne Rooney [Images] expects his country to mount a serious challenge to win the World Cup in Germany [Images].

"We are all confident, especially after the Argentina game when we won that," Rooney said on Tuesday.

• FIFA World Cup 2006

Rooney, 20, scored in England's 3-2 win over Argentina in a World Cup warm-up game in November to give England a potential edge should they meet in Germany.

Speaking at the launch of a new Nike football boot at Old Trafford, the Manchester United [Images] man said: "It did not seem like a friendly game. If you had seen all the lads in the dressing room after the game, everyone was jumping around.

"I don't know why, but I celebrated that game more than some of the qualifying games."

He added: "Obviously I think Brazil [Images] are favourites because when you look at their team and squad of players it's frightening."

Rooney also regards Argentina, Italy [Images], the Netherlands and host country Germany as threats to England's hopes of winning the competition for the first time in 40 years.

Michael Owen [Images] scored England's two late goals in the match against Argentina and despite doubts over his fitness following a broken foot for the Newcastle United striker, Rooney is looking forward to resuming their partnership.

Rooney said: "It's a privilege for me to play up front with Michael Owen. He is one of the world's best strikers and you know he scores goals in big games."

Rooney burst on to the international scene as a teenager in the 2004 European championship before a foot injury at the quarter-final stage ended his tournament.

He admits he will not have such a surprise element in Germany, but is eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of a lifetime's ambition.

Rooney said: "A lot more people will know about me and at times they will try and intimidate you.

"You've just got to deal with that and play your own game and not worry about the opposition too much.