Wayne Rooney has responded to Paul Scholes’s criticism of his performances by saying he is “not interested” in the opinions of his former Manchester United team-mate and making it clear he believes it was wrong to say that he was a player in decline.

Rooney, declaring himself fully fit for the World Cup, said he was willing to continue in the left-sided role for England if that was Roy Hodgson’s plan, despite previously saying he did not like being moved to the wide positions.

The striker is unhappy about the debate surrounding him since Scholes claimed his former team-mate might have peaked two years ago and should no longer be considered an automatic pick. Scholes had questioned whether Hodgson would have the nerve to drop him but Rooney said he did not agree with the criticisms.

“To be honest, I’m not really interested in what anyone else has got to say. I’m interested in what Roy Hodgson, the coaching staff and the people around me say. People have their opinions but I don’t agree with them. He[Scholes] has been a team-mate of mine but he’s also been away from the first team for a long time. I’ve seen a lot of you [media] saying he’s coached me and been around the team, but he hasn’t. I’m not really going to react. I’m not interested. He’s got his opinions so let’s leave it at that.”

Rooney scored the 39th goal of his England career in the 2-2 draw against Ecuador on Wednesday but would ideally like to revert to a central position. David Moyes, his former manager at Old Trafford, has been in Miami and watched the Ecuador game, and his recommendation is also that Rooney is switched back to a more orthodox role.

“I think Wayne’s best contribution will be centrally,” Moyes said. “I think he is in a better place [mentally] than he was at this time last year. He is playing well. His form has been good and I do think he has already come out and said he wants to have a good World Cup, and you have to trust him and go with that.

“He will be determined to do well. He knows how important this is for him and Wayne will be desperate to show everyone what he can do.

“In his mind, he is strong and determined, but you have to remember that the opposition can make it difficult for players as well. He will need good service and good players around him. Wayne cannot make it happen all on his own. Portugal have [Cristiano] Ronaldo, but Ronaldo still needs a team around him to help him perform. Wayne will need the players around him to help him as well but he has the ability to score and the mental strength to handle the games.

“In the World Cup you look to your big players and Wayne will be a big player for England, I have no doubts about that. But I do think there is an awful lot of pressure being lumped on him, which isn’t right. England haven’t done particularly well in a lot of competitions, so no one should be expecting great things from them. To be a stand-out player and make a difference in World Cup games is very, very hard.”

Hodgson had involved Rooney from the start against Ecuador, having initially planned to give him a rest, because he was concerned about the player’s fitness after recent injury issues. “I’m ready,” Rooney said. “I’ve trained hard, with no injuries and no recurrence of the groin strain I had at the end of the season. I was always going to need game-time and I felt really good, especially in the heat. I’m ready to play. I’m sure the manager will have a tough decision but I’m ready. I feel better.”

Rooney has stated several times in the past that he does not believe the team is getting the most out of him when he is asked to play as a wide attacker. Now he says there will be no issues if Hodgson wants him to remain in that position.

“The manager didn’t have to tell me what to do. I know how to play that role. I’ve played it many times and I have no problem doing that. I’ve proved over the years I can play in different positions and now it’s down to the manager. It’s not about me, it’s about the team, and if the manager wants to play me up top, in behind, left, right, I’m happy to do that.”

Rooney plainly believes the scrutiny of his fitness and performances has been unfair. “A lot of people have their opinions but I listen to the people around me and in the coaching set-up. I don’t listen to people outside of the set-up really so anyone, journalists, can say what they want. I have no interest in listening to them.”

He has, however, kept in touch with Moyes, and his former manager made a powerful case on his behalf. “I have spoken to Wayne a few times since I left Manchester United and he has been very supportive,” Moyes said. “Wayne was terrific for me. He played really well and in the opening months of last season he carried us in a lot of ways with his swashbuckling style. At his best, that is what Wayne is.

“He can score goals but, in time, he can drop back and be a central midfield player as well because his ability to pass the ball is very good.”