Sven to Use Rooney as Lone Striker

By David Hobbs
September 1 2005

England boss Sven Goran Eriksson is set to deploy a 4-5-1 formation to take on Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium this Saturday.

Manchester United youngster Wayne Rooney is set to be the lone striker in favour of a partnership with Jermain Defoe as Newcastle United star Michael Owen is suspended.

Shaun Wright-Phillips may get his first competitive start in an England jersey on the right flank with Joe Cole on the left, leaving skipper David Beckham with a holding midfield role accompanied by Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.

Rooney has insisted he won't be fazed by the new formation, saying: "I don't think it's too much pressure, I'm a professional player and I love playing football. As long as I've given my best, then hopefully it will go all right for us."

"Obviously you get nervous before any game but when you walk out on to the pitch you have got to try and blank everything out and concentrate on the match." 

Meanwhile, Wales boss John Toshack thinks Rooney is similar to Kenny Dalglish. He said: "He's an exceptional talent, a truly exceptional talent. He knows how to make things difficult for defenders and has a lethal shot - Kenny Dalglish was the same." 

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]