England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Rooney's return delights Crouch

04 Oct 2006 - 17:09:27

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Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has welcomed the return of Wayne Rooney to the England squad, despite the Manchester United forward's current slump in form.

Crouch has excelled for England alongside Jermain Defoe this season, netting five times in Steve McClaren's first three games in charge, but knows the partnership will be broken up against FYR Macedonia at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Rooney has now completed the ban he picked up for his sending off during the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal, but returns to international action looking for his first goal since the opening day of the season.

Crouch is all too familiar with scoring droughts following his disappointing spell at Aston Villa and struggle to get off the mark at the start of his Liverpool career, and believes the challenge of playing for England again will help Rooney rediscover his best form.

"At times it's nice to get away and get a fresh start," the 25-year-old told Sky Sports News.

"He has looked lively in training and I'm sure he will be right come the game.

"If we're given the chance to play together I think it will work well; we've played together in training. Wayne likes to drop deep and that gives me opportunities to get in the box."