Rooney!

[chili756]

Rooney has been well past it, or just lost the will for a long, long time. He has had a very poor season, yet for some insane reason managed to negotiate himself another massive contract.

Bring Barkley in just behind Sturridge, or go 442 with Sturridge and Lambert. Either way we can beat Uruguay and Costa Coffee. This tournament is going to be very open , looking at the opening games, and we are not expected to win, so why not go out and just have a go?

[Wraggrams]

Hi Rat,

I couldn't agree more with you about Rooney. The problem for him is that Sturridge is the better no.9. On the performance on Saturday Sterling is better in the hole behind. Virtually any of the Welbeck, Lallana or Sterling is better on the left or right. I think Barclay adds that X factor which perhaps Rooney showed in 2004 (never to be repeated in a major tournament for England).

[Oldtimeram]

Here's a question;

Has Shrek had more work done on his rug, especially for his brief trip to the World Cup?

By the way, my view of Rooney is that he is one of the most overrated footballers we have ever had, especially when it comes to big tournaments.

I cannot honestly ever remember him playing a decent game in any World Cup or European Championship tournament.

[Rattea]

Hi Rat,

I couldn't agree more with you about Rooney. The problem for him is that Sturridge is the better no.9. On the performance on Saturday Sterling is better in the hole behind. Virtually any of the Welbeck, Lallana or Sterling is better on the left or right. I think Barclay adds that X factor which perhaps Rooney showed in 2004 (never to be repeated in a major tournament for England).

I think you've hit the nail on the head their with two basic points. There are better players and they have the X Factor which Rooney has lost.

I just wish we had been brave enough to leave him at home like other nations and send a positive message to the rest of the team that they are ahead.

I wonder how much influence from the top was had to include him? Like chilli says how did he get another big contract? It's like jobs for the boys IMO!

[Rattea]

Good article IMO! - view external link

[triz]

According to training reports rooney will be starting centrally behind sturridge on thursday,its now or never time for him i think. Im still a little bit hopeful he'll have a good game.

[Rattea]

Its England ... I am more than hopeful but just not convinced it will happen.

spot on now or never!