England boss Fabio Capello insists Wayne Rooney would be a lesser player if he were to lose his competitive edge, though he admits the Manchester United striker needs to be "careful".
The Italian saw Rooney threaten to lose his cool during a frustrating evening against the USA at Wembley on Wednesday.
Having struggled to make an impact on the game Rooney produced two badly mistimed tackles, but was only booked for the second.
He was later substituted, and while Capello is adamant he will not be asking his star striker to curb his enthusiasm he will urge caution.
Capello said: "When a player performs without commitment he is not the same. You have to be hard and tough.
"He did two hard tackles against USA and they were possibly yellow cards but not red. He didn't deserve to be sent off. It is normal. He did one strong tackle and in my opinion it was not a problem."
Smiling broadly, he added: "Of course, I have to make sure he stays on the pitch and I will speak to him. I will explain that he must be careful.
"He is exactly the same in training, committed and tackling hard. Before the game in training it was a worry for the others. He does this all the time!
"I like this desire in my players. I want them to have quality but also to have no fear. To have a mental strength and desire is so important. In my career I have had defenders like this but rarely forwards. I like what I see in him.
"Raul was like this and the nearest player I have known to Rooney. He was young when I worked with him for the first time but he was hungry and smelt the goal. He was also generous to the team.
"You always speak to players like this but he is young. The future will be even better."
Former England manager Steve McClaren told Sky Sports News: "He's a winner, Wayne Rooney. Sometimes, because he is a winner, you step over the mark.
"That comes with maturity, that comes with experience. He's got a great character and temperament and let's not lose the Wayne Rooney that goes round and is a winner."
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