England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Mac stays loyal to Rooney

09 Oct 2006 - 09:13:36

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England boss Steve McClaren is convinced Wayne Rooney will eventually return to form because of his strength of character.

The 20-year-old Manchester United star has struggled so far this season with a combination of suspension and injury hindering his progress.

He failed to impress in Saturday's goalless draw with FYR Macedonia but McClaren is determined to persevere with the player.

"He needs games and needs to work through that," he said. "That's what he's doing. Nobody's working harder to do that than him.

"You can't just give up. I've seen him work extra in training. He's frustrated. Wayne has to show character and resilience now and come through it.

"Everyone knows what a quality player he is. Everybody knows what he can do. He does and we do and the next game may be the one where it happens.

"I'm not going to say who is going to play on Wednesday. He needs to work through it and he will start working through it on Monday."

England face a tough trip to Zagreb to play Croatia in their fourth Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.