Wayne Rooney's wretched World Cup due to fear of being exposed as a love cheat

British footballer Wayne Rooney had a miserable 2010 South Africa World Cup because he was worried that his relationship with prostitute Jenny Thompson would become public.

The 24-year-old Manchester United striker has told his close pals that during the World Cup he was worried that his relationship with hooker Thompson would become public.

Rooney's friends believe that it could be the reason for his dismal performance in the tournament.

The striker, who was considered to be one of the biggest stars on the world stage failed miserably at the World Cup, which probably led the English team out of the tournament.

Rooney had scored goals galore for both United and England up to mid-March, but failed to net one goal from his last 10 games of the season, including the World Cup, The Sun reports.

"The relationship with this woman was hardly a secret within the club - but Wayne was always hopeful it would not be known by everybody. Unfortunately for him, everything has been made public," The paper quoted a Manchester United source, as saying.

There are reports that even England coach Fabio Capello has warned Rooney that he could be axed from the team due to his disappointing performances.