The Three Lions' hopes of glory were largely centred around the Manchester United striker, who was in blistering form during the domestic season.
But the front man was unable to replicate his club form in a national team jersey - leading to questions as to whether he was fully fit to compete in the finals in South Africa.
And following Sunday's embarrassing exit to Germany, goalkeeper James says Rooney was on-form in training - but blamed opposition defences for keeping a close watch on the stalwart.
He said: "I didn't notice a lack of fitness. We did some shooting the day before the game and he was smashing them past me. I was hoping that would be replicated in the game.
"The trouble for Wayne in this tournament was that all the opposition expected him to be the danger man and they did what they could to nullify his offensive capabilities.
"You have to give credit to the opposition. Teams know how good he is. They did all they could to stop him from playing. He wasn't given freedom and against Germany there were times when he had to come deep to pick the ball up.
"If he has to do that, then he's not getting the joy up front. That has to be credit to the opposition and the way they nullify him."
The situation might have been different for Fabio Capello's team had a controversial strike from Frank Lampard been awarded at the Free State Stadium.
The midfielder's sublime effort was clearly over the line, however referee Jorge Larrionda failed to award the goal.
With the score at 2-1 in the Germans favour, it was a defining moment in the match and James felt the correct decision might have led to a more positive outcome for Fabio Capello's side.
He continued: "Given that we were putting them under a lot of pressure at the time it would have put us on parity. We would have gone in at half-time in much more positive mood.
"This has obviously changed the game. At 2-2 of course we are on the up. It would have been a much different story in the second half.
"There were possibly two people on that pitch who didn't see that ball go over the line - the referee and the linesman. You do not need technology for that.
"The frustration is that we defended well and they have scored three goals on counter attacks which has killed the game."
The round of 16 exit has led to ferocious criticism of the England team after yet another tournament of unfulfilled expectations passes by, with many questioning Capello's future to lead the team.
The Italian is under pressure to keep his job and Portsmouth stopper James revealed the boss had little to say following the loss.
The 40-year-old admitted: "There is not a lot he can say. You can start having a go at people or whatever but we are going home. He was not happy - just not happy.
"No-one is going to start venting anger at anyone because as a squad we've got knocked out at a stage we didn't want to get knocked out at.
"A couple of vital moments like the goal that was not allowed and Germany's
brilliance at counter attacking football made the difference."
