But USA coach Bob Bradley insists his side will not try to wind up Rooney during Saturday's World Cup opener with England.
Bradley: "I get asked the question about Wayne Rooney all the time.
"I have tremendous respect for Rooney and what he brings to England in so many ways.
"His effort, his competitiveness, his movement, his influence on that team is great.
"But we won't try and wind him up, no. We don't enter into all of that sort of thing."
The Yanks claim they won't wind him up ... but others are sure to.