The striker cannot even manage that at the moment after rolling his ankle against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, an everyday football injury that triggered mass hysteria and gloom over England's prospects at the World Cup in June.
Once news emerged that it was just "minor ligament damage" and the burly 24-year-old would, after all, recover in time to board the plane for South Africa, a collective sigh of relief was heaved across the country.
The pragmatic Capello would probably take any other injury ahead of one to Rooney - the one irreplaceable player in England's squad and the man who strikes fear into world class defenders.
British bookmakers Ladbrokes say that only 50 pounds has been wagered on England for the World Cup since Rooney was hurt in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.
"Punters clearly do not fancy a Rooney-less England," Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said in a news release.
"If the main man is given the all-clear for South Africa we expect the patriotic punt to kick into overdrive."
He returned for England's second group game but was clearly off the pace and ended the tournament with no goals - his frustration boiling over when he was sent off against Portugal as his team tumbled out.
Capello would have watched Rooney's recent inspired and full-bloodied performances with mixed feelings - perhaps even covering his eyes at times.
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