Perfect England, peerless Rooney
Fabio Capello hailed a magical performance from Wayne Rooney last
night after the Manchester United striker inspired a 3-1 win over
Belarus that established a record for England’s best start to a
World Cup qualifying campaign. Rooney won the ball for Steven
Gerrard to open the scoring with a 30-yard strike in the first half
before finishing off enterprising opponents with a second-half
brace that took his tally to five goals in his past three
international matches. “Rooney is a very important player for us
and is playing very well,” Capello said. “He is having a magic time
at the moment."
Matt Hughes, The Times
Steven Gerrard also waxed lyrical about United's frontman. "When
Wayne's in that form he's up there with the best in the world,"
said Gerrard. "The understanding and awareness he has is
exceptional. It's great to play with him."
Having won four out of four World Cup qualifying matches, Rooney
believes England can go on to record ten straight victories en
route to South Africa in 2010.
A number of the English newspapers run with quotes from
Carlos Tevez saying that he is "not as dangerous
[or] as effective in the penalty area anymore. That is something I
have lost, and I have to get that back. I used to score better
goals, great goals."
And finally, try not to laugh but Brazilian striker Jo says City
will win the league. "We will look at a Champions League place then
go on from there. We will win the Premier League but this season
might be a little bit early."