ROY HODGSON has sent an SOS to Wayne Rooney, insisting: I need Roo.
By SHAUN CUSTIS
The England boss knows too many chances were missed as his side salvaged a 1-1 draw from Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
Now he wants the injured Manchester United striker back for next month’s double header at home to minnows San Marino and away to Poland.
Hodgson said: “The sooner Wayne comes back into our fold the better. We are short of experienced, quality front players in England.”
Against Ukraine, England played Jermain Defoe on his own up front before bringing on the inexperienced Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge.
There have been questions about Rooney’s general fitness and the fact he has not delivered in major finals. His Euro 2012 performance was heavily criticised.
Yet Rooney, currently out with a gashed thigh, has hit 29 goals in 76 games for his country to go eighth on the all-time scorers list.
He also holds the England record for the most goals in a qualifying campaign — nine on the road to South Africa in 2010.
Hodgson added: “We’ll get the best out of him, as he’s desperate to play for England.
“He’s an excellent footballer and with quality players the quality is permanent.
“The general feeling after the Euros, and I’m not certain I totally agree, was Wayne didn’t play well in his two games. But I still think I’ve a very good player in Wayne Rooney.
“I’ve spoken to Wayne, of course.
“He has had a nasty injury and we are hoping that he gets over it as soon as possible.”
