England striker Wayne Rooney was blocked from discussing his religious beliefs by a Football Association official at the World Cup on Wednesday.

Rooney had offered an insight into his Catholic faith by explaining why he wears a prominent cross and rosary beads around his neck when he's not playing.

That prompted a further question.

But Mark Whittle, the FA's head of media relations, interrupted Rooney in the off-camera briefing by saying: "We don't do religion."

Until then, Rooney had been happy to discuss the cross and beads, saying: "I've been wearing them for about four years now and you don't usually watch training (to see them.) I obviously can't wear them in games. It's my religion."

Whittle's comment was reminiscent of a brusque "We don't do God" remark made to a reporter by Alastair Campbell as he intervened during an interview during his time as director of strategy and communications to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

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