Who'd of thought that whilst qualifying, it can now be more than fair to say our chances have thinned, our key man's attitude has once again got the better of him and another distinctly average performance has got everyone on a bit of a downer.
Granted they secured the required point away in Montenegro, but the inexplicable and frankly mindless actions of a certain Mr Rooney have hampered English progress and especially targets in Austria & Ukraine next summer. According to 'top' man manager, Rooney was "ready", all the press revolt regarding his Father's alleged match and result fixing to secure bets were behind him, and he was totally in focus. As the game entered it's final 20 minutes Rooney was robbed of possession by Miodrag Dzudovic, before unforgivingly lashing out with his right boot, referee Wolfgang Stark had no choice, and in my view got it spot on.
Without being too harsh on Rooney - I fully appreciate his quality and what he adds to the side - just the reason why it is so frustrating! Can we truly prove that ill-tempered Merseyside teenager has changed so much in his 5 or 6 years in the spotlight? On this evidence no. I read this was only the second red card he has received since the infamous 'winker' situation with ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at The World Cup 2006 5 years ago, yet not even that fact fills me with confidence, it's not so much different to the confrontational QPR midfielder Joey Barton, no matter how well he does for himself over the coming months and season, everyone knows that temper and attitude is there, and will use it against him to gain advantage.
Rooney clearly wasn't in the right frame of mind last Friday, whether that was down to the striation with his Father at home, is unclear and it would not be right for me to suggest. It's quite clear though, that the consequences will be regretted by not just him, but the rest of his supporting nation in the 8 months remaining build up to the tournaments kick-off.
- What Capello had to say.
Definately missing the opening group game, it emerged earlier this week Rooney himself was sending a letter to UEFA regarding this ban, to try and minimise it to just the one game, to save the unthinkable from happening, and it being extended to the full three games, equalling in him missing out on the whole group stage.
In my opinion though, Rooney should not be 'let-off' if a three game ban would be how anyone else should be punished, being a player from Spain, England or even American Samoa, if UEFA view his outburst as a offense worthy of a three game ban that should be stuck too 100%. Wayne needs to learn, I'm sure after this he will, it will undoubtedly hit him harder if the ban is the full three games, perhaps for his own good? I believe so. For me, former England center half Terry Butcher hit the nail on the head earlier today - quoting: "If he gets one game he's the luckiest man in the world," said Butcher.
"He's got no defense and he just has to hope Uefa are lenient. He has had red cards before and UEFA may see it as a chance to make their mark."
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| Rooney's unforgiving lash out on Friday |
Nothing on that letter should change their views, it shouldn't even come into consideration, a Wayne Rooney without the temper could be terrific for our nation's prospects, but if this ban is extended, it's effectively another competition over, or the chances slimmed by a long-shot. Either way Rooney was silly, impetuous and what occurred that night shouldn't be seen on Sunday league let alone on the international stage.
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