England.

[mrbojangles]

-- BUMP --

A couple of important games coming up. Thought i'd resurrect this thread instead of starting a new one.

Lamps: Rivalry can help England

Frank Lampard believes Chelsea's rivalry with Manchester United can help England in their upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Andorra.

Chelsea and United are both still challenging for the Premiership, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League and Lampard feels the intense battle has forced the players involved to find their best form.

The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Lampard are all set to play against Israel on Saturday as England look to get their qualification campaign back on track.

And Lampard is confident they will all transfer their winning mentality onto the international stage.

"Because there are so many players in this England squad who are very focused on the title race, that can definitely benefit England," explained the Chelsea midfielder.

"In the situation that we and United are both in, we can't afford to lose any games.

"It's like we've had three cup finals in the last week at Chelsea. That's how we've approached our schedule recently.

"Now we've two cup finals coming up with England.

"When you develop that kind of mentality, you can't really switch it off.

"Players from both Chelsea and United are winning a lot of games and we've got to carry that forward into our England performances.

"It's good to bring confidence to England from our club form and it's a slight break from the intense pressure of chasing four trophies in all to the different pressure of playing for a place at Euro 2008."

Lampard has made 49 appearances for Chelsea already this season and played a further seven times for England, yet he insists there is plenty left in the tank for the next couple of months.

"I feel as strong now as I've done at any other stage of the season," he said.

"Even though we've had a big pile-up in games, it isn't a problem for me to play so many times."

[mrbojangles]

Young lands England call

Charlton defender Luke Young has been drafted into the England squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Andorra.

Young was omitted from Steve McClaren's original 23-man squad last week, but he has been called up to provide cover in defence.

The former Tottenham man will help fill the void of Gary Neville's absence after he was forced out of the squad with an ankle injury.

McClaren is also sweating over the fitness of Manchester City defender Micah Richards after he picked up a calf injury against Middlesbrough last weekend.

Young is the third player to be called into the squad after Gareth Barry and David Nugent were given late calls into the fold.

[mrbojangles]

Mac hopeful on partnership

Steve McClaren is excited about the prospect of Andrew Johnson working in tandem with Wayne Rooney.

With Michael Owen and Peter Crouch injured Johnson is set to start up front for England against Israel on Saturday.

The Everton striker has been played out of position by England in the past but McClaren insists his selflessness has not gone unnoticed.

The England boss believes Johnson has all the attributes to make an impression at international level, and is confident his game will complement Rooney's.

"I can see a lot of potential in Andy and Wayne," said McClaren.

"Having someone who stretches opponents should help bring the best out of Wayne.

"Andy is a team player. Against Holland, he was on the right wing yet he still kept running back.

"Look at Didier Drogba at Chelsea. Strikers have to work as hard as anyone else in the team to defend.

"Defenders don't like to play against strikers like that."

England's Euro 2008 qualifying group is delicately poised following their disappointing defeat to Croatia in October, but McClaren believes his players can draw on that experience to inspire them in Israel.

"The past is motivation," he said.

"We need to do better and it has to start on Saturday.

"But I do feel we have moved on from that night in Croatia. We have looked at things and now there is a real determination amongst everybody, the players and the staff, to get the job done.

"We know that we have eight qualifying games left. The goal is qualification, that is what we are working towards."

[shedend]

Mac hopeful on partnership

Steve McClaren is excited about the prospect of Andrew Johnson working in tandem with Wayne Rooney.

With Michael Owen and Peter Crouch injured Johnson is set to start up front for England against Israel on Saturday.

The Everton striker has been played out of position by England in the past but McClaren insists his selflessness has not gone unnoticed.

The England boss believes Johnson has all the attributes to make an impression at international level, and is confident his game will complement Rooney's.

"I can see a lot of potential in Andy and Wayne," said McClaren.

"Having someone who stretches opponents should help bring the best out of Wayne.

"Andy is a team player. Against Holland, he was on the right wing yet he still kept running back.

"Look at Didier Drogba at Chelsea. Strikers have to work as hard as anyone else in the team to defend.

"Defenders don't like to play against strikers like that."

England's Euro 2008 qualifying group is delicately poised following their disappointing defeat to Croatia in October, but McClaren believes his players can draw on that experience to inspire them in Israel.

"The past is motivation," he said.

"We need to do better and it has to start on Saturday.

"But I do feel we have moved on from that night in Croatia. We have looked at things and now there is a real determination amongst everybody, the players and the staff, to get the job done.

"We know that we have eight qualifying games left. The goal is qualification, that is what we are working towards."

Lets play Wayne Rooney and Andy Johnson as a pair up front and hopefully this will ensure we play to feet and the channels and not the big pump forward when Crouch is playing. With the ability in the squad yes squad and not just the starting X1 we should be able to win these two games coming up.

The most important thing for all us England fans is that the players wear their shirts with pride and only winning counts. There are many other capable players who could do a good job if selected so the current squad have to perform 100%.

[Seapok]

Terry: Only a win will do

John Terry has called on his England side to give a performance for the whole of the country in the 'must win' Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel on Saturday.

England are currently third in Group E and only ahead of Israel on goal difference, and Terry is determined to avoid a repeat of the 2-0 defeat to Croatia in October.

"There's a lot on the game, everyone knows we need to win the game," the England captain said on Sky Sports News.

"There's a group of players wanting to improve on our last England performances and get back to the top of the table where we know we belong.

"We all know we didn't play well against Croatia, and this is about a group of players taking it upon themselves to make something happen.

"The way things are at the minute, I don't like seeing us where we are in the group, this is a must-win game.

"I don't think we can say a draw is a good result the position we are in at the minute."

Steve McClaren's position as coach has come under scrutiny following recent performances and Terry admits it is time for the senior players in the England squad to stand up and be counted.

The Chelsea defender is also desperate to give the supporters reason to celebrate by claiming three points in Tel Aviv, although he expects the Israelis to provide a difficult test.

"The fans have witnessed that and to watch that has been heartbreaking so we owe them, we owe ourselves, we owe the manager and we owe everyone in England a good performance," he rallied.

"The preparation and the fitness has always been good but we've underachieved as a group since Steve took over and it's only us that can do something about that.

"Wherever we go in the world teams up it 20 or 30 percent and we need to match that with our ability and also our heart. We need to make sure that if they are willing to fight we'll match them.

"They are very dangerous, with some good players, and it's a tough place to come. But we're going to be a threat to them as they are to us and we need to come in and control the game.

"We understand this is a tough place but coming in where we are in the league, we must win."

Terry also dismissed rumours that the England squad was more unified under his captaincy than under the leadership of David Beckham.

"I've seen a little bit of that but it's rubbish," he declared.

"Certainly when Becks was captain things were fantastic in the squad.

"Everyone loved him being captain and I'd like to think things are pretty much the same now I'm in charge."

[Seapok]

TOOTHLESS LIONS TAMED BY ISRAEL

England huffed and puffed, but ultimately lacked the creative spark needed to break down Israel as Steve McClaren's side were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw in Euro 2008 qualifying.

The Three Lions dominated possession against an Israel side who appeared content to play on the break, but they failed to truly test Dudu Aouate.

McClaren had called for a win and also a good performance, but in truth he got neither as England laboured against a side who seemed happy to settle for a point.

The performance was not what had been required following the draw with FYR Macedonia and loss in Croatia and leaves England still playing catch-up in Group E.

As had been expected, Israel endeavoured to keep the crowd on their side by making a bright start and they were gifted a chance on three minutes by some sloppy England defending. Phil Neville and Rio Ferdinand gifted possession to Toto Tamuz but he showed a distinct lack of composure as he fired his shot high over the bar.

A bright run from Aaron Lennon on nine minutes broke the spell of Israel dominance, but his cross with his weaker left foot did not match the run.

Lennon's pace and willingness to run with the ball was a cause of concern for Israel and his excellent cross found Wayne Rooney, but the striker's header lacked the venom to trouble Aouate.

McClaren will have been heartened to see his two strikers combine well on 18 minutes, but Rooney's chip following a clever flick from Andrew Johnson was disappointing.

England's best chance of the half fell to Frank Lampard on 22 minutes, but after being found superbly by an excellent pass from Steven Gerrard, the Chelsea man failed to get the ball out of his feet and was thwarted by Aouate.

Israel's best chances of the opening 45 minutes fell to Tamuz. He saw a low shot comfortably saved by Paul Robinson, while minutes later he headed wide from six yards having been picked out superbly by Ben Shushan.

Israel's better chances in the first half came courtesy of England mistakes and the pattern continued after the interval as a sloppy clearance from Owen Hargreaves presented the ball to Yossi Benayoun, he dinked a pass into Balili whose shot on the turn flew just wide of goal.

England struggled to get Lennon into the game in the second half and as Israel's massed ranks frustrated The Three Lions.

The threat in the second half came down the right and an excellent cross from Gerrard found Lampard, but his acrobatic volley was well saved at the second attempt by Aouate, while Rooney and Tal Ben Haim earned cautions after getting involved in a pushing match in the area.

Lennon finally found the ball at his feet on 66 minutes and he delivered an excellent cross for Lampard, but the Chelsea man glanced his header wide of goal.

Israel appeared susceptible to the lofted ball and Gerrard picked out Johnson with a fine cross but, just as Lampard had done, he glanced his header across the face of goal and wide.

Jamie Carragher went agonisingly close as England's dominance of possession continued, as his header from a corner landed on the top of the crossbar.

McClaren threw on Jermain Defoe with ten minutes remaining in a bid to add a new dimension to England's attack and the Spurs man fashioned a fine chance with six minutes remaining, but Aouate made a fine smothering save as Israel held on for a point.

England had the ball in the net twice in the final five minutes, but efforts from Micah Richards and Defoe were rightly chalked off for offside.

[bkkandrew]

What a load of complete rubbish. Watching this lot make me sick!

[dave111223]

What a load of complete rubbish. Watching this lot make me sick!

My sentiments exactly.

A lot of people slagged England off at the world cup, but honorestly i wasn't too upset, i thought they played ok.

But this truely was a performance worth slagging. Come on it is Israel for **%$ sake, if they can't even beat them how are they supposed to beat any of the good teams in Europe. After seeing this game i think they don't even deserve to qualify anyways.

McClaren needs to get his matching orders, when you have a squad full of top premier league players there is no excuse for having them play like this.

[JacknDanny]

What a load of complete rubbish. Watching this lot make me sick!

Well I lasted till half time, I had by then had enough!

Boring sh#te.

But that is McClarens middle name.Same when he was at Boro

[OneeyedJohn]

Out of interest , what TV channel did u see it on?

Solar Sports had Germany vs Czechoslovakia and Eurosport had Lichtenstein vs N Ireland.

Thai had Ger/Cze on 3.

Doesn't sound like I missed much. I'll probably be dead before England do well again

[Liquid Soul]

Out of interest , what TV channel did u see it on?

Solar Sports had Germany vs Czechoslovakia and Eurosport had Lichtenstein vs N Ireland.

Thai had Ger/Cze on 3.

Doesn't sound like I missed much. I'll probably be dead before England do well again

Channel 7 had it on complete with English commentary, but alas no crowd/atmosphere sound? Most bizarre.

Nothing really was missed apart from England’s inability to beat a nation ranked 32 placed below them with a display of no confidence football.

Before the game McClaren, Terry and Lampard all talked great games, but when it came to it, it was more of the same from a team that has scored just 2 goals in the last 6 games, an incredible feat for the country that currently stands sixth in the Fifa world rankings and that has so many superstar players playing in top clubs.

The form of these great players just cannot be brought over to the big stage of international football, so maybe its time Mr McClaren should think very carefully before naming his next squad, as some of the boys who let us down in the world cup are still continuing to do it now.

Maybe Michael Owen will return one day to add to his tally of 36 goals, but will he be the player that he was? with other players injured too it is hard to see where the goals are going to come from.

But all is not lost, there are still 7 games to play four of which will be at the new home of football, the great Wembley stadium, but starting with tiny Andorra in Barcelona on Wednesday eve, if England are to turn a corner and start to live up to expectations then we must start with a convincing performance then, followed by a few tweaks to the squad, 6 more wins and onto 2008 finals, or no more goals and a replacement manager??

[jasreeve17]

It's very frustrating to watch.

Where's the passion?

With Israel sitting deep, and beeing tough to break down, an injection of passion from midfield could have...

[Liquid Soul]

It's very frustrating to watch.

Where's the passion?

With Israel sitting deep, and beeing tough to break down, an injection of passion from midfield could have...

The passion seems to have died, whilst it may still live in Gerrard, England misses players such as Paul Scholes and Stuart Pearce to name two, players who fight for the cause and dont give up, IMO Defoe should have been brought on sooner to replace the lacklustre Johnson, as after coming on Defoe looked to have some bite in him.

[mrbojangles]

Absolute garbage. OK we had a shortage of strikers through injuries but still, that was absolute <deleted>.

Don't know about anybody else but it's games like that where we miss Beck's. He had a knack of turning games round from a free kick or set piece when we where playing like that. Really hope the FA don't wait too long before duming McClaren!!!

[mrbojangles]

From the Daily star

ROO'S RED MIST

WAYNE ROONEY and flop England boss Steve McClaren had a furious bust-up after Saturday’s drab draw in Israel.

The striker reacted angrily when under-fire McClaren pinned the blame on him.

Pals of the England stars revealed that there was a “heated exchange” between McClaren and the players and one said: “McClaren went ballistic after the game, shouting and swearing at the team.

“And he singled Wayne out for a mouthful, slating his performance and telling him he hadn’t played well in three years.

“Other players got an earful too but it was obviously a massive shock to Wayne. He can’t be used to taking dressing-downs in front of his team- mates, especially some of the younger ones.”

The source described how the red mist descended on the Manchester United wonderkid as he hurled his England kit to the floor in response to the telling off.

He added: “People were shocked. It’s not every day an England player will throw his jersey to the floor. It showed just how wound up Wayne was.”

Stunned skipper John Terry also told of 45-year-old McClaren’s outburst after the final whistle.

He said: “He ranted and raved at the players.

“I had my say too, but what was said in the dressing room stays in the dressing room.”

Rooney, 21, also had to be prevented from confronting Israel defender Tal Ben Haim – an old rival – after the match.

The Manchester United star was banned for three matches after a camera caught him shoving his hand in Bolton player Ben Haim’s face in 2004. Their feud re-erupted as Rooney was booked after a nose-to-nose bust-up with Ben Haim, 24, on Saturday.

As Rooney’s temper raged, he tried to leave the changing room to confront Ben Haim.

Team-mates had to talk him out of it.

The source added: “It was particularly tense there for a while. Wayne took an awful lot of calming down.

“He seemed to be humiliated by McClaren’s attack on him and, knowing he couldn’t get revenge on him, sought out Ben Haim instead.”

Rooney has not scored a competitive goal for England since Euro 2004 against Croatia.

His spokesman last night declined to comment.

[gummy]

Sooner Mourinho takes over from Sven's waste of time replacement the better. England need somebody with the ability to turn a bunch of multi millionaire wasters into a team who want to win. They are all mostly brilliant for their club sides and just need someone with the ability and kudos to make them play as well together for the national team.

[game4shame]

england will do well to finish third in the group.

[redrus]

IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT

Rooney singled out by McClaren.

The Guardian takes a look at Rooney's England career.

It is very easy to find scapegoats when a team is doing badly. The harder part is to understand why players are under-performing and, in Wayne Rooney's case, it is particularly bewildering that England's best footballer is partly accountable for turning the famous Steve McClaren smile into such an anguished frown.

McClaren was in such a state on Saturday night - sweating profusely, forgetting his lines - he was in no fit condition to offer a reasoned explanation about Rooney's perplexing form. However, it is known that the England manager picked out the youngster for special criticism in the dressing room.

This is a debate that needs a clear head because Rooney, for long periods of his career, has been immune in the England blame game and something is clearly malfunctioning.

Ask those England fans who chanted "you're not fit to wear the shirt" and "what a load of rubbish" here in Tel Aviv and the Manchester United striker will probably come last in the list of players they want sent to the stocks. Many will take umbrage to find their hero questioned. Rooney is the crowd's favourite, a spectator's player. And yet a newcomer to the sport could have taken a seat in the Ramat Gan Stadium and been forgiven for thinking that the visiting No9 did not even enjoy football.

To scan the newspaper archives is to put his current form in context and be reminded of the differences in his performances between then and now. Le Monde encapsulated his style as "poisonous to his opponent, making his elders look ridiculous".

The facts, however, are stark. Since Euro 2004 Rooney has added 20 caps to his collection yet scored only three times, all coming in friendly matches: the 1-1 draw against Holland last November, a year earlier in the 3-2 win against Argentina and in the 4-1 win over Denmark in 2005. He has not scored in the Champions League for Manchester United since September 2004.

The issue here, though, is not just one of goals. Rooney's body language, to put it bluntly, stank. He spent large parts of the evening remonstrating with the Norwegian referee, all arms and larynx, as he complained about nothing in particular. Had the game carried on much longer it is likely he would have been sent off before he scored. And this is not a one-off. Reports also indicate that Rooney's petulance continued into the dressing room following McClaren's post-match assessment.

The more thoughtful United supporters will say, in simple terms, that the secret is out. Rooney has, at times, been beguiling this season but, increasingly, these have been sporadic moments. His club performances have ranged from outstanding to indifferent, yet the poorer performances have largely gone unreported while the team are winning consistently.

As England set off for Barcelona yesterday he will be grateful the next game is against a ski resort. Andorra are 163rd in Fifa's world rankings and, as opponents go, the tiny principality are football's equivalent of a back-rub at the end of a hard week in the office. They will be sympathetic opponents and that might be what Rooney needs at a time when his England career is in danger of stagnating.

'FERGIE GOES BALLISTIC' AS ROONEY ROW RUMBLES ON

Tuesday 27th March 2007

All the attention is on the alleged Rooney - McClaren 'bust-up'.

The Sun:

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson went ballistic after hearing of coach McClaren's bust-up with Wayne Rooney in Israel. Ferguson fears Rooney is being made a scapegoat for England's mounting problems.

From The Telegraph:

It was another dark night for English football here on Saturday and life did not get any easier for Steve McClaren after the game when it emerged that the England manager had a dressing room row with Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United striker is understood to have taken exception to being singled out by McClaren for England's woeful record in front of goal.

Rooney responded angrily when McClaren said that he had to shoulder the responsibility for an England goalscoring record that has seen them score just once in the last five games - none of which have been victories - culminating in the 0-0 draw with Israel. Rooney, 21, is understood to have come back at his manager with the response that he is not the only one in the team capable of scoring goals.

McClaren:

"Why did I single out Rooney for criticism? I didn't say I did. I don't know where you are getting that from. I really don't. I didn't single out anyone.

"What goes on in a dressing room is private. I'll never criticise a player outside of the dressing room. I might inside. Whatever happens after a game, there was no rift between me and Rooney, absolute load of rubbish.

"Whatever was said in that dressing room was done respectfully and professionally. In fact, myself and Wayne have one of the best relationships of a player and coach because I've worked with him for many years.

"Why is he not playing well? Everyone can do better. I am not singling out one player. We all know what Wayne Rooney is and what he can be."

redrus

[shedend]

IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT

Rooney singled out by McClaren.

The Guardian takes a look at Rooney's England career.

It is very easy to find scapegoats when a team is doing badly. The harder part is to understand why players are under-performing and, in Wayne Rooney's case, it is particularly bewildering that England's best footballer is partly accountable for turning the famous Steve McClaren smile into such an anguished frown.

McClaren was in such a state on Saturday night - sweating profusely, forgetting his lines - he was in no fit condition to offer a reasoned explanation about Rooney's perplexing form. However, it is known that the England manager picked out the youngster for special criticism in the dressing room.

This is a debate that needs a clear head because Rooney, for long periods of his career, has been immune in the England blame game and something is clearly malfunctioning.

Ask those England fans who chanted "you're not fit to wear the shirt" and "what a load of rubbish" here in Tel Aviv and the Manchester United striker will probably come last in the list of players they want sent to the stocks. Many will take umbrage to find their hero questioned. Rooney is the crowd's favourite, a spectator's player. And yet a newcomer to the sport could have taken a seat in the Ramat Gan Stadium and been forgiven for thinking that the visiting No9 did not even enjoy football.

To scan the newspaper archives is to put his current form in context and be reminded of the differences in his performances between then and now. Le Monde encapsulated his style as "poisonous to his opponent, making his elders look ridiculous".

The facts, however, are stark. Since Euro 2004 Rooney has added 20 caps to his collection yet scored only three times, all coming in friendly matches: the 1-1 draw against Holland last November, a year earlier in the 3-2 win against Argentina and in the 4-1 win over Denmark in 2005. He has not scored in the Champions League for Manchester United since September 2004.

The issue here, though, is not just one of goals. Rooney's body language, to put it bluntly, stank. He spent large parts of the evening remonstrating with the Norwegian referee, all arms and larynx, as he complained about nothing in particular. Had the game carried on much longer it is likely he would have been sent off before he scored. And this is not a one-off. Reports also indicate that Rooney's petulance continued into the dressing room following McClaren's post-match assessment.

The more thoughtful United supporters will say, in simple terms, that the secret is out. Rooney has, at times, been beguiling this season but, increasingly, these have been sporadic moments. His club performances have ranged from outstanding to indifferent, yet the poorer performances have largely gone unreported while the team are winning consistently.

As England set off for Barcelona yesterday he will be grateful the next game is against a ski resort. Andorra are 163rd in Fifa's world rankings and, as opponents go, the tiny principality are football's equivalent of a back-rub at the end of a hard week in the office. They will be sympathetic opponents and that might be what Rooney needs at a time when his England career is in danger of stagnating.

'FERGIE GOES BALLISTIC' AS ROONEY ROW RUMBLES ON

Tuesday 27th March 2007

All the attention is on the alleged Rooney - McClaren 'bust-up'.

The Sun:

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson went ballistic after hearing of coach McClaren's bust-up with Wayne Rooney in Israel. Ferguson fears Rooney is being made a scapegoat for England's mounting problems.

From The Telegraph:

It was another dark night for English football here on Saturday and life did not get any easier for Steve McClaren after the game when it emerged that the England manager had a dressing room row with Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United striker is understood to have taken exception to being singled out by McClaren for England's woeful record in front of goal.

Rooney responded angrily when McClaren said that he had to shoulder the responsibility for an England goalscoring record that has seen them score just once in the last five games - none of which have been victories - culminating in the 0-0 draw with Israel. Rooney, 21, is understood to have come back at his manager with the response that he is not the only one in the team capable of scoring goals.

McClaren:

"Why did I single out Rooney for criticism? I didn't say I did. I don't know where you are getting that from. I really don't. I didn't single out anyone.

"What goes on in a dressing room is private. I'll never criticise a player outside of the dressing room. I might inside. Whatever happens after a game, there was no rift between me and Rooney, absolute load of rubbish.

"Whatever was said in that dressing room was done respectfully and professionally. In fact, myself and Wayne have one of the best relationships of a player and coach because I've worked with him for many years.

"Why is he not playing well? Everyone can do better. I am not singling out one player. We all know what Wayne Rooney is and what he can be."

redrus

I hate to say it Redrus but Rooney is all we have got upfront. There is no other player with his class at the moment. Even if Crouch etc were fit they are not good enough except Michael Owen. Rooney is still a young lad learning his trade and can only get better.

I would sign him tomorrow if I could. If I were the CFC Manager of course..................

That's if he wanted to play for the CFC........................

[redrus]

Shedend, he decided to come to United cos of a desire to stay in the North, he had the chance to sign for you then.

I agree with your points fella but, with no service and moral seemingly at an all time low, strikers are always going to be affected the most.

Sad, I only hope Andorra don't pull something out of the bag....

redrus

[muckypups]

Just posted this in our United thread, well worth a read..

Mail on Rooney

'During his three days in Spain this week, Wayne Rooney could do worse than call the country's most famous English resident, David Beckham.

As Rooney is finding out — and Beckham has known for years — being the English football team's most feted player is not always easy.

Being the most gifted footballer in a successful team will bring only glory. Being the best in a poor, struggling side is another matter entirely.

Pressure, expectation, scrutiny and, of course, blame comprise the hand luggage of the English talisman and right now Rooney is struggling to carry it all.

Is it proving too much for a young man who is still only 21? Most certainly, yes.

Rooney's behaviour on the field in Israel on Saturday was hardly out of character, while his post-match exchange with coach Steve McClaren bore the hallmarks of frustration and stress.

Are England's travails the only reason why Rooney is struggling? Most definitely, not. His problems this season have not been restricted to international football.

Despite some flurries of goals — a few of them brilliant — consistency has eluded him. Those who watch Rooney for United every week have recognised the symptoms of a young player some way from the top his game.

Rooney's innate competitiveness has been present, as have his unquenchable thirst for hard work and his capacity for isolated moments of quite staggering brilliance.

Those who witnessed his hat-trick at Bolton in late October or his goal against Portsmouth in the FA Cup fourth round at Old Trafford two months ago will be quick to testify to that.

But an analysis of the last 18 months of Rooney's life will provide an indication as to why he has struggled to play the consistently effective football of his early time with United and England.

Since United's tour of the Far East in the summer of 2005, he has played virtually non-stop football. With the exception of goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and defender Rio Ferdinand, nobody played more games for United last season.

As his team struggled, manager Sir Alex Ferguson pushed Rooney on to a total of 48 games. So it has been this season, despite a difficult World Cup summer — both physically and mentally.

Once again, Rooney's workload has been high (39 starts so far) and why shouldn't it? In football, more has always been asked of the better players.

For some time, however, he has looked in need of a break. At United, his relative difficulties have not mattered.

Ferguson's team — and Cristiano Ronaldo in particular — have played football so exceptional that Rooney's fitful efforts have been good enough to warrant his retention.

With England, however, it is different. Such is the paucity of attacking players of genuine international quality, especially in the absence of Michael Owen, Rooney has been asked to carry a burden that would perhaps challenge him even were he at the peak of his powers.

As Beckham discovered as long ago as 2001 against Greece at Old Trafford, the English football team often require moments of individual brilliance to haul them through.

Could it be that right now Wayne Rooney is just too weary to deliver?'

How dare 2nd Choice Steve McClaren pile the blame on one player when almost all are falling short. His failings as a national manager are, in my opinion, a disgrace. Will the FA do anything about it?.. Will they <deleted> (Well, maybe.. when it's way too late..)

[gummy]

Shedend, he decided to come to United cos of a desire to stay in the North, he had the chance to sign for you then.

I agree with your points fella but, with no service and moral seemingly at an all time low, strikers are always going to be affected the most.

Sad, I only hope Andorra don't pull something out of the bag....

redrus

They will pull Andorran goats out of the bag. At least McClaren will have something in common with them - Wool - the only differance being the goats wear it and McC keeps it between his ears.

[nev]

i hope england loose to andora,they are all over paid prima donna's england football team is a joke and needs a shake up,and needs a continental manager like gus hiddink who at least know;s how to change a game and does not play players out of position,taking off a full back putting on a full back take off a winger put on a winger,playng gerrard and lampard cannot play together.

[mrbojangles]

i hope england loose to andora,

Sorry nev, can't agree with that. No matter how <deleted> they and the manager are. I could never want them to lose.

they are all over paid prima donna's england football team

But your'e dead right there

[Seapok]

Andorra v England

Group E: Andorra v England

Date: Wednesday 28 March

Kick-off: 2000 BST

Venue: Olympic Stadium, Barcelona

Listen: BBC Five Live Sport

Updates BBC Sport website and mobile

Watch: Highlights on BBC 1 at 2240 BST

John Terry is adamant England's recent poor form is not down to lack of desire or passion from the players.

Ahead of Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Andorra, the England captain said: "It really is an insult to hear people saying we don't care.

"When you are out on the pitch doing everything you can and hear something like that, it really gets to you.

"Nothing gives me and my family more pride than me pulling on that England shirt. It's the same for every player."

England have been pilloried by the media having won just two points in their last three matches in Group E.

Manager Steve McClaren has been heavily criticised but his players have also come under fire for failing to reproduce the form they show for their clubs when they have played for their country.

However, Terry is adamant that he and his team-mates are fully focused on international matters when they are on England duty.

"It is certainly not the case that when I am away with England I am still thinking about Chelsea," Terry added.

"When I'm back at Chelsea that's all I think about and when I'm with England my mind is 100% on the job in hand."

Terry's team-mate Steven Gerrard believes the criticism heaped on England after recent performances has been justified.

Gerrard said: "I don't think the criticism has been over the top. If you're not getting results, you deserve to be criticised.

"We know Steve McClaren has taken it in the neck but the players have to take a lot of responsibility for that."

Gerrard added: "We've drawn against Israel and we've drawn against Macedonia. With the quality of players we have, these are games we should be winning."

The Liverpool midfielder insisted he was happy with the way McClaren was preparing the team for international games.

"He is preparing us right and coaching us right," said Gerrard. "He is telling us the right things.

"It's us who are going there and underperforming and underachieving.

"It's down to myself and the other boys to stand up and turn these results around to take the heat off him."

Saturday's 0-0 draw with Israel left England three points behind second-placed Russia and five adrift of Group E leaders Croatia - and in danger of not qualifying for Euro 2008.

But Gerrard is confident England will reach the finals.

"We're third in the table now and it doesn't look very nice.

"But we can promise everyone connected with England that we will be in Euro 2008. We are confident we can achieve that."

[Seapok]

Lampard ruled out of Andorra game

England midfielder Frank Lampard has been ruled out of the Euro 2008 qualifier against Andorra on Wednesday due to a cracked bone in his wrist.

The 28-year-old suffered the injury during training on Monday when he was struck by a Wayne Rooney shot.

But the injury is worse than was first thought and Lampard will not feature at Espanyol's Olympic Stadium.

Stewart Downing is expected to step in to the midfield on the left, with Aaron Lennon playing wide on the right.

Ashley Cole is back from suspension and will replace Jamie Carragher at left-back, while Micah Richards is set to step in at right-back in place of Phil Neville.

Meanwhile, England boss Steve McClaren has launched an impassioned defence of his players' attitude, saying they do care about playing for the national side.

The squad have been criticised for a lack of passion after recent below-par displays.

But McClaren said: "They care. They're passionate about playing for England.

"It hurts them when they lose. It's 10 times harder playing for your country than it is for your club."

Saturday's 0-0 draw with Israel leaves England three points behind second-placed Russia and five adrift of Group E leaders Croatia - and in danger of not qualifying for Euro 2008.

McClaren added: "There's no problem with their attitude.

"They want to win. They failed on Saturday because they didn't score a goal, end of story."

[dave111223]

I'm actually happy to see Lampard out of the lineup. I'm sure alot of people will disagree with me (as he always seems to get good reviews) but i think he plays like crap for England.

I couldn't believe reviews I read after the Israel game saying that Lampard and Carragher played well. I thought those 2 were the worst, they totally kill any innovation when they got the ball.

McClaren wouldn't have the balls to leave Lampard out of the squad unless there was an injury though.

Downing, Gerrard, Hargraves, Lennon is the lineup i'd like to see across the middle.

[Seapok]

Andorra 0-3 England

Steven Gerrard spared England and coach Steve McClaren's blushes with a crucial double strike to break Andorra's resistance in the Euro 2008 qualifier.

England were jeered off after a shameful first 45 minutes in Barcelona.

But Gerrard broke the deadlock with a low 20-yard drive after 53 minutes, then slid home a neat finish with 15 minutes left in an ill-tempered clash.

Debutant David Nugent scored in the last minute after Jermain Defoe saw a shot saved by keeper Koldo Alvarez.

England, as expected, were without Frank Lampard after he was ruled out with a broken wrist sustained in training.

And he may have been grateful for sitting out a shambolic first half that was notable for the persistent abuse aimed in the direction of McClaren and his team by furious England supporters.

Andorra's only threat was a physical one, with Wayne Rooney targeted for rough treatment and Owen Hargreaves cynically elbowed by Justo Ruiz.

Alvarez did well to repel the few moments when England did threaten, saving well from Andrew Johnson and Gerrard.

The busy Johnson also curled an angled drive just over and Stewart Downing was off target twice when he should have done better.

England departed at half-time to a crescendo of jeering, but were able to cheer their fans by finally breaking the deadlock after 53 minutes.

Rooney touched the ball into Gerrard's path and he made no mistake with a low drive from 20 yards.

The Manchester United star then managed to rule himself out of the visit to Estonia in their next qualifier in June when he received a yellow card, along with Oscar Sonejee, as their running battle continued.

Rooney was wisely withdrawn on the hour to avoid further trouble and was replaced by Defoe, while Micah Richards was stretchered off injured - with Kieron Dyer going on.

Gerrard wrapped up the win for England after 75 minutes, racing on to a clever touch by Defoe to slide a precise finish past Alvarez.

And McClaren then gave a debut to Preston's Nugent, the youngster going on for Johnson.

He was narrowly off target after good work by Downing, but claimed England's third as Defoe's shot rolled towards the goal-line.

[mr_hippo]

I meant to get up early to watch the whole match but fortunately I missed the first half! England have had a turnip as manager and a swede, now they have a .... words fail me. I am not saying that there isn't a job at the England FA for McLaren because there is as England's half-back. He can stand at the turnstiles, ripping the tickets in half and giving half back!

[Seapok]

Well what the hel_l was that about? the 1st half was the worst 45 mins I've ever seen, we were running around like headless chickens, no shape, no passion and no ideas! The second half started better, we got stuck in to some meaty tackles and looked more like a team pulling in the same direction!

Stevie G played well commanding the midfield, having said I don't believe its got to do with Lampard being out of the team, we need our best players in the remaining matches, that means Lamps and Gerrard playing together in the heart of the midfield.

Drop that diving donkey AJ and maybe try Rooney with Defoe! until Owen is ready to play again our options up front are very limited.