MCCLAREN WAITS ON ROONEY
England manager Steve McClaren may be forced into a re-think for Wednesday's friendly against Spain after Wayne Rooney was put on the 'doubtful' list.
The Manchester United striker was injured during his team's 4-0 Barclays Premiership victory over Tottenham yesterday.
Rooney was caught in the back by Spurs defender Pascal Chimbonda and although he tried to run off the knock he was replaced by Louis Saha in the 64th minute.
"Wayne was injured in a challenge, he was limping about for a bit so I had to take him off," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
"We'll assess him in the morning but he may be doubtful for Wednesday."
There was a suggestion McClaren was going to go into the game playing 4-3-3, supplementing Rooney's exceptional movement and vision with two wingers.
However, if the United forward is ruled out the England coach may be forced to revert to a 4-4-2 with Liverpool striker Peter Crouch leading the line.
Everton forward Andrew Johnson made his comeback from an ankle injury in the goalless Merseyside derby on Saturday but McClaren will be waiting to see if there is any reaction after he played 80 minutes before being substituted.
However, Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas has already pulled out of the squad.
The 23-year-old has been struggling with an ankle injury sustained in the 3-0 Barclays Premiership defeat at Arsenal on December 2.
He made a goalscoring return in the January 27 FA Cup win over Southend - but encountered further ankle problems in the midweek Carling Cup semi-final setback at the Emirates Stadium.
He missed yesterday's defeat to United after having a scan on the injury before kick-off.
Preparations for the friendly with Spain begin later this morning when England launch the new kit they will wear at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
no need for rooney. surely england can beat a team who lost to n. ireland