Rooney Ban Gives Fabio A Tough Decision
Posted on 15. Oct, 2011 by John Pring in Football
Wayne Rooney would be the first name on the England teamsheet for any major competition, but after his three-game ban from UEFA, the England manager now has to decide whether or not to take the England striker to Euro 2012.
Leaving the Manchester United striker out of the team altogether might seem unthinkable, but given that he’ll miss the entirety of the group stage, he could end up not kicking a ball in the tournament if England don’t make the knock-out stages (which given their recent performances could well be a possibility).
So should England take Rooney to next year’s European Championship? Capello has already confirmed that Rooney won’t play in the remaining friendlies before the tournament, preferring to work with players who will be able to play in next year’s group stages. Personally, I think the likes of Wellbeck, Sturridge and Bent give England more than enough firepower, with the in-form Ashley Young also providing an exciting attacking option. If Rooney was available to play I think taking him would be a given, but considering the three-game ban I think we’re better off leaving Rooney at home to consider the implications of his actions in the qualifier against Montenegro.
Of course the FA could appeal against UEFA’s decision, hoping to bring down the ban to two games, but this could also result in an additional one-game ban, meaning Rooney will miss four games at Euro 2012.
