MCCLAREN WAITS ON ROONEY
England manager Steve McClaren may be forced into a re-think for
Wednesday's friendly against Spain after Wayne Rooney was put on
the 'doubtful' list.
The Manchester United striker was injured during his team's 4-0
Barclays Premiership victory over Tottenham yesterday.
Rooney was caught in the back by Spurs defender Pascal Chimbonda
and although he tried to run off the knock he was replaced by Louis
Saha in the 64th minute.
"Wayne was injured in a challenge, he was limping about for a bit
so I had to take him off," said United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson.
"We'll assess him in the morning but he may be doubtful for
Wednesday."
There was a suggestion McClaren was going to go into the game
playing 4-3-3, supplementing Rooney's exceptional movement and
vision with two wingers.
However, if the United forward is ruled out the England coach may
be forced to revert to a 4-4-2 with Liverpool striker Peter Crouch
leading the line.
Everton forward Andrew Johnson made his comeback from an ankle
injury in the goalless Merseyside derby on Saturday but McClaren
will be waiting to see if there is any reaction after he played 80
minutes before being substituted.
However, Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas has already pulled out
of the squad.
The 23-year-old has been struggling with an ankle injury sustained
in the 3-0 Barclays Premiership defeat at Arsenal on December
2.
He made a goalscoring return in the January 27 FA Cup win over
Southend - but encountered further ankle problems in the midweek
Carling Cup semi-final setback at the Emirates Stadium.
He missed yesterday's defeat to United after having a scan on the
injury before kick-off.
Preparations for the friendly with Spain begin later this morning
when England launch the new kit they will wear at Old Trafford on
Wednesday.