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LONDON. — England have regained the fear factor following a run of “aggressive” wins since the World Cup soccer last summer, skipper Wayne Rooney has said.

Roy Hodgson’s side left Brazil on a low after becoming the first England side since 1958 to exit at the group stage of a World Cup, returning home with their lowest ever points tally.

But since then things have turned around and they will face Italy today looking for an eighth straight win, having adopted a more aggressive approach to their games.

“The players are so quick and when we lose the ball we want to be aggressive and win it back quickly,” Rooney said.

“I am sure you have heard the manager talk about those little ‘furies’ – that when we lose the ball we have to win it back as quickly as possible.

“There are times when you go and don’t get it, but that is where the defence probably doesn’t get the credit it deserves because they are pushing in right behind us to close the space off.

“With the players we have got, we have to play like that.” — AFP.