Wayne Rooney
Monday, 28 January, 2008
He returned from injury to feature in the two EURO 2008 qualifiers in October, scoring in both.
Wayne Rooney
DOB 24.10.1985
2007 Caps 4, goals 2
Career caps 40, goals 14
Manchester United
If Wayne Rooney had been fit for his country's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley in November, would England have made it to this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland? Instead, we are left thinking what might have been in the latest in a long line of 'ifs' in the forward's international career.
Ever since he burst onto the international scene as England's youngest debutant (since surpassed by Theo Walcott) in February 2003, Rooney - such is his ferocious power and jaw-dropping talent - has carried the weight of the expectant nation.
In another injury-blighted year Rooney played just four times for England in 2007, but emphasised his importance to the side by scoring two goals. In March he helped the country to a valuable point in Tel Aviv and starred in the 3-0 victory in Andorra.
After a six month injury-induced gap Rooney returned to international duty and scored a sublime volley in a 3-0 win at Wembley over Estonia.
Four days later he opened the scoring in Moscow, but England were downed 2-1 after substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko netted a brace. Again injured, Rooney was forced to watch the 3-2 defeat against Croatia from the sidelines.
Fate has also worked against him at major tournaments. At Euro 2004 in Portugal an 18-year-old Rooney helped England to the quarter-finals with four goals B only to suffer a metatarsal injury against the hosts.
Two years later Rooney was recovering from another metatarsal setback when England travelled to Germany for the World Cup, although he made it into the side for the last eight clash against Portugal again.
"A country with the talent we've got as footballers we should be up there challenging for the main two trophies. I think we've definitely got the quality to qualify for the next World Cup. It was a big disappointment not qualifying for the Euros but now we've got to look forward and look to get to the World Cup." Wayne Rooney
"Wayne has a wonderful heart for the game. He has this fantastic enthusiasm to play, no matter what the circumstances. It is unusual to see that in such a young player. In a way, it refreshes you and gives you hope the game is going the right way." Sir Alex Ferguson