Rooney accepts role on sidelines
Wayne Rooney is suspended for England's first two group games at Euro 2012
Wayne Rooney accepts missing England's first two games at Euro 2012 is the price he must pay for a moment of madness in Montenegro.
With so few world-class stars at England's disposal, Rooney's absence from those Group D encounters with France and Sweden has dealt a major blow to the team's preparations.
Yet it could have been worse had UEFA not taken a lenient view when Rooney appealed against an initial three-match suspension for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic in Podgorica. He told BBC TV's Football Focus: "It is the price I have to pay for making that mistake."
He added: "It happened and I have to accept it. I will just prepare myself as if I was playing and hopefully come back into a winning team."
Rooney looks like he will get additional responsibility under new manager Roy Hodgson. The Manchester United striker was offered additional time off prior to Wednesday's departure for Krakow, although he turned it down.
Rooney wore the captain's armband against Belgium at Wembley on Saturday following the departure of Steven Gerrard and was sat next to manager Roy Hodgson for the official team photo.
So, whilst he was one of those who spoke out in favour of Harry Redknapp following Fabio Capello's exit, Rooney is happy working with Hodgson
"When you have a change of manager, regardless who it is, you always think they might be looking to bring fresh players in," he said.
"He said straight away he would take me, which was nice to here. Already you can see he is very organised, which is something we have lacked during my time with England.
"It is great to have an Englishman in change."
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Yeah Rooney has no choice but to accept his role on the sidelines for the first 2 games but he has to be responsible for his own actions, we need him but he hasn't really ever been a match winner in a England shirt.
I am a little more hopeful of seeing some of the youngsters showing that they can be prepared for the next World Cup and we can offer a real threat. the lack of expectation is probably a blessing in disguise as it takes the pressure off the players and hopefully they will play with no fear and spring a surprise or two,
The big kick off is tomorrow so now its time to look forward to our game against France on Monday,
Good luck to Roy and the the squad
As others have stated hes a waste of space in the England shirt, has never performed and most likely never will along with the rest of the "golden boys"
I like the look of some of our future potential though, Young has been superb this season and has carried it into his international career. Welbeck's goal at the weekend was a brilliant piece of football, shame the team couldnt create a few more opportunities for him. And Oxlade-Chamberlain plays without fear, ok he made a couple of mistakes but held his hands up and tried again. Its nice to see we have a player who will try to beat their man. Reminds me a lot of Theo just better and a lot more confident :) Shame Theo hasnt got a similar attitude as he is capable of it.
Good luck lads, do us proud and win, loose or draw we cant complain.
