Sunday, April 20, 2025

Rooney returns as England gear up for Ukraine test

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KRAKOW: Roy Hodgson is looking forward to unleashing the full force of Wayne Rooney for the first time in his England managerial career on Tuesday as the talismanic striker returns against Ukraine.

Rooney has yet to start for England under Hodgson, appearing only as a substitute in a 1-0 friendly victory over Belgium at Wembley and missing the opening two games of Euro 2012 because of suspension.

However the Manchester United star will return to the starting line-up for what is certain to be a tense finale to Group D in Donetsk, where England will look to reach the last eight at the expense of the co-hosts.

Rooney’s return gives England a further boost to morale following Friday’s pulsating 3-2 win over Sweden, when Hodgson’s side fought back from 2-1 down to claim a dramatic victory through Danny Welbeck’s superb late winner.

For Rooney, Tuesday represents yet another opportunity for the 26-year-old to showcase his talents on a world stage following disappointing performances in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

The United star has maintained a low profile since England’s arrival in Poland but is said to be flying in training.

Hodgson was anxious to dispel the impression that Rooney’s eagerness to enter the tournament fray could be a problem if not properly harnessed.

“No, he hasn’t,” Hodgson said when he was asked by reporters if Rooney had been “like a caged animal.”

“He’s just been a very, very good professional. His training performances have been first class. He’s been first class around the place,” Hodgson said.

“He’s been encouraging all the players and backing the players up. Of course he wants to play football.”

Hodgson could not disguise his delight however at the prospect of being able to deploy the most potent attacking weapon in a relatively youthful arsenal that includes Welbeck and Andy Carroll, the powerful Liverpool striker who impressed with a superbly taken header against the Swedes.

“He’s a quality player. I would suggest he’s a world-class player. I’m always wary of giving players epithets but I think his ability is a bit special.”

Hodgson also confirmed Rooney had recovered completely from the niggling injury he had carried towards the tail-end of the season which saw him rested for England’s friendly against Oslo.

Hodgson has not divulged how he intends to tweak England’s line-up to accommodate Rooney but it is highly likely that either Welbeck or Carroll will be omitted to make way for the returning striker. (Agencies)

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