Roy Hodgson has some tough choices to make with all eyes on Wayne Rooney as England look to beat Ukraine and secure a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. Paddy Power’s columnist Robbie Fowler has his say…
Wayne Rooney is a fantastic player who has a bit of everything. That includes a nasty streak but sometimes the best players have it. His temperament and mentality can flare at any time.
But he is learning and getting better every season. He was only booked once in the Premier League last season. You’d never think that of Wayne Rooney because of what he’s done in the past.
I was probably more famous for scoring goals but I like to think I did okay outside the box, which is what Rooney is very, very good at. England will be better tonight for him being in the side.
His goals-per-game ratio is also top class. In 365 games for Manchester United he’s scored 182 goals. For England, it’s 28 goals in 74 appearances.
RED DEVIL: Wayne Rooney was the only person surprised at this red card vs Portugal (pic: Inpho)
Andy Carroll did reasonably well against Sweden. He scored a great goal and his hold-up play was good, which is something that England need. Danny Wellbeck didn’t do it in the opening game. I wouldn’t be averse to playing Carroll up front with Rooney playing in behind and Ashley Young and maybe Theo Walcott out wide.
That’d give you pace down both flanks, Wayne playing in the hole and a big man in Carroll up front. Rooney can get you a goal from anywhere.
Pretty much agree (apart from Milner instead of Young – better with crossing so far – Young has been useless.)