England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Crouch backs Rooney

08 Oct 2006 - 08:30:49

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England striker Peter Crouch thought his partnership with Wayne Rooney in Saturday's goalless draw with FYR Macedonia was promising.

Rooney was replaced with 16 minutes of the match left after another disappointing personal display, but Liverpool forward Crouch has backed the 20-year-old to regain his best form soon.

He said: "I thought myself and Wayne worked well. I like playing with Wayne. He is a top player.

"It is the first time in a game we have started together so I would definitely say there is more to come from us.

"Was Wayne frustrated? He worked hard as we all did but you will have to ask Wayne whether he was frustrated today.

"We are just pleased to have him back and, come the next game, he will be firing again. You can't write him off at any stage and he will come good again.

"It could take one goal to spark him. I don't think there will be a problem. He gives us so much, dropping deep and linking up play, so when he is not scoring he still adds a lot to the game."