Source: Telegraph
Wayne Rooney could end his own career with a bad tackle
Yet after another match that demonstrated both the very best and worst of Rooney, it can only be hoped that he is more receptive to the words of distinguished former players. [LNB]Rooney might have touched the ball when he challenged Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Aliiev during the second half of England's 2-1 win, but the way he followed through with his studs in the air was dangerous and reckless. According to Teddy Sheringham, the challenge was even wild enough to end Rooney's own career. "On three fronts Rooney is very lucky," he said. "First of all, he didn't injure the player badly, second he didn't get sent off and thirdly this is a similar challenge to how Gazza did his knee many years ago and he was never the same again after that. He could injure himself. [LNB] Related ArticlesTerry warns against complacencyTerry seals win for EnglandRoad to South Africa 2010England v Ukraine: How the English players ratedCrouch takes Corden's advicePapers: Summit security for England, Chelsea target Young"If the fella was in the wrong position at the time, his knee could have been going the wrong way to the rest of his body and that could be the end of him. I hope he takes it in the right way because he could end his career with a challenge like that. He's got the ball but the follow through is terrible."[LNB]England manager Fabio Capello's observation that "it was a normal tackle" clearly stretched credibility and, at least, he should be grateful to referee Claus Bo Larsen that England did not risk defeat by being reduced to 10 men. [LNB]Rooney aside, the theme of the past week has been a relentless stream of admissions from England players over past mistakes. On Thursday, there was an acceptance that the team's mentality under Steve McClaren would have made the late winner against Ukraine unlikely. [LNB]"That was the pleasing thing for me," said Steven Gerrard. "Eighteen months ago this side might have gone into our shell when we conceded an equaliser and just played out the final 20 minutes in fear."[LNB]With Frank Lampard being asked to play in a disciplined central midfield role, Gerrard is enjoying the freedom of a system that allows him to surge forward with Rooney. [LNB]"It's all about pointing the team in the right direction," he said. "There are a lot of players who have had to sacrifice their natural game over the years and it's all about qualifying for the World Cup and the team, not individuals. [LNB]"It's a pleasure to play with Wayne because it's easy to link with him. Hopefully that partnership can get better."[LNB]Lampard agreed that England might previously have lacked the mental strength to prevail after Ukraine's equaliser. "You might not have seen that a couple of years ago," he said. "Everyone is confident when we play for our clubs but there was a time when we weren't performing for our country as a group and we became less confident in an England shirt. The players were devastated and embarrassed not to get to the Euros."[LNB]
