Soccer: Rooneys drout

James Deuce

GFX Moderator

Maybe coming up against the opponent from that day will remind him how it's done.

Rooney, in the squad for Wednesday's 2008 European Championship qualifier at Croatia, is without a competitive goal since scoring two against the Croats in Portugal.

Saturday's 0-0 draw against visiting Macedonia prolonged that streak on the same day Croatia, which has never lost a qualifying match at home, beat Andorra 7-0.

Victory would put Croatia ahead of England atop the Group E standings.

While Rooney has been struggling for Manchester United and England - failing to score since United's opening Premier League game on Aug. 20 - the suspension of midfielder Steven Gerrard is another problem for coach Steve McClaren.

"Their biggest deficit is Gerrard," Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said. "A player of his caliber brings so much to a side, it's impossible to replace him."

The suspension of Gerrard, who got a yellow card against Macedonia, injuries to Aaron Lennon, Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves, and the omission of David Beckham leaves England threadbare in the middle.

Still, Bilic said "even a point was valuable against such a tough outfit."

McClaren may ditch his 4-4-2 formation for 3-5-2, with Scott Parker the extra player in midfield.

"I'm thinking of alternatives," McClaren said. "Whatever we've got, England can beat anybody on the day."

Rio Ferdinand returns to the England squad after overcoming a back injury, but Ledley King, his replacement against Macedonia, withdrew with a knee injury.

Croatia has no such problems after scoring a record-equaling seven goals against Andorra - including a record four by Mladen Petric.

"I have saved at least one (goal) aside for England," Petric said.

Bosko Balaban also claimed a record with his country's fastest ever goal, a diving header 14 seconds after his entrance as a substitute.

Croatia, which gained independence in 1991 and has made five from six major international tournaments, has not lost a qualifying match at home, posting 20 wins and nine draws.



Euro 2008 qualifier
Tue., Oct. 10, 5 p.m. -
England vs. Macedonia

England Classic
Sun., Oct. 15, 11 p.m. -
England vs. N. Ireland (2005)

All times ET, subject to change.
"They have the record because they are a very good side and that's an added incentive to go out there and win," England captain John Terry said.

Police fear local fans could clash with visiting supporters and UEFA has warned Croatia that it may be banned from Euro 2008 if fans continue with racist chanting and other misdemeanors.

Croatian hooligans ripped up seats at a World Cup qualifying match in Malta and clashed with security guards in Hungary. In a friendly with Italy last month, Croatian fans formed a human swastika in the stands, while at least 10 flares were thrown onto the field Saturday.

"We are monitoring the match because we are aware of what has happened in the past," UEFA head of communications William Gaillard said. "Sanctions have been toughened up and they range from a fine to exclusion and everything in between."

Frank Lampard, who will be making his 50th appearance, said an aggressive environment could work in England's favor.

"We've played in similar places to this and it's a good challenge ... you have to make sure you're ready in a strong atmosphere and against a strong team," he said.

Source: Fox Sports

If he doesnt start scoring we might be dropped from England or beanched..who knows. He needs to pick it up or else he might be warming up the bench for Wacloct..

Diablo 3 supporter!