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Former England manager Bobby Robson is calling for Wayne Rooney to start Wednesday’s crucial Euro 2004 against Turkey.
The Newcastle boss believes it is time to unleash the 17-year-old star on the world stage, despite the fact he has only two substitute appearances to his name for his country.
Rooney played the last 11 minutes of Saturday’s game with Liechtenstein and his performance has prompted this sensational outburst from Robson.
The man who led England to the World Cup semi-finals in 1990 is fascinated at the talent the Everton youngster possesses and is convinced he can live up to the massive hype that surrounds him.
“England need Rooney on the pitch from the very start of the vital European Championship qualifier with Turkey on Wednesday night,” Robson said.
“He is a phenomenal talent that must not be restricted or denied. OK, so Rooney is just 17. But age is a merely a number – whether it’s 17 or, as in my case, 70.
“I have watched the boy on several occasions. He takes my breath away. He is sensational. He can do things which are out of the reach of other players. And already he has the confidence to do them.”
England’s performance at the Rheinpark Stadion on Saturday has been blasted as well below par by the mass media and many feel that Sven Goran Eriksson may need to change his approach.
Starting with Rooney would be a bold move by the Swede and Robson, who was prepared to take a gamble on Paul Gascoigne back in 1990, is urging the current England boss to follow suit.
“Turkey on home soil represents a big game for England but hardly the pressure and profile that comes with a World Cup,” added Robson.
“Since Japan last summer when England made a disappointing exit against 10-man Brazil, our international performances have been lacklustre.
“Sven Urgently needs to inject a spark, to discover fresh impetus, to lift the mood and raise the optimism.
“He needs a great player and Rooney, even if he is only 17, is already a great player.
“I suspect Sven had such thoughts in seriously considering an England comeback for Alan Shearer, a leader, a personality, a tough resolute competitor even if only for the qualifying games in Liechtenstein and against Turkey.
“But the future has to be Rooney. The dawn of a new England great should be witnessed from the start on Wednesday.”
just reading through some of the points near the bottom and just though it would be funny for you to read them again now after the turkey match has finished
> Rooney seems like a good player, but I'm not completly sure he should
> start against Turkey.
>
> Mind you, that's the age that Pele started off.
And Pele got a a brace in the '58 World Cup final. Nice! I think England showed badly vs Leichistein because of the pitch- Lumpier than cheap gravy, and just as slippery. The grass looked thin as well; half-decent teams can't use really crap pitches.
> I dont see England getting anything more than a point against Turkey.
> Probably less.
I disagree, we have been pretty awful of late, even when we beat Lichtenstein only 2 players impressed me at all (Heskey and Beckham). But I think we will get the 3 points against Turkey, we can play well and do so more often against the better clubs. I think a lot will depend on our defence (which was pretty poor against Lichtenstein), with our midfield and attack we always stand a chance of getting goals.
But one thing is for damn sure, we need to improve and fast.
Mind you, that's the age that Pele started off.
Former England manager Bobby Robson is calling for Wayne Rooney to start Wednesday’s crucial Euro 2004 against Turkey.
The Newcastle boss believes it is time to unleash the 17-year-old star on the world stage, despite the fact he has only two substitute appearances to his name for his country.
Rooney played the last 11 minutes of Saturday’s game with Liechtenstein and his performance has prompted this sensational outburst from Robson.
The man who led England to the World Cup semi-finals in 1990 is fascinated at the talent the Everton youngster possesses and is convinced he can live up to the massive hype that surrounds him.
“England need Rooney on the pitch from the very start of the vital European Championship qualifier with Turkey on Wednesday night,” Robson said.
“He is a phenomenal talent that must not be restricted or denied. OK, so Rooney is just 17. But age is a merely a number – whether it’s 17 or, as in my case, 70.
“I have watched the boy on several occasions. He takes my breath away. He is sensational. He can do things which are out of the reach of other players. And already he has the confidence to do them.”
England’s performance at the Rheinpark Stadion on Saturday has been blasted as well below par by the mass media and many feel that Sven Goran Eriksson may need to change his approach.
Starting with Rooney would be a bold move by the Swede and Robson, who was prepared to take a gamble on Paul Gascoigne back in 1990, is urging the current England boss to follow suit.
“Turkey on home soil represents a big game for England but hardly the pressure and profile that comes with a World Cup,” added Robson.
“Since Japan last summer when England made a disappointing exit against 10-man Brazil, our international performances have been lacklustre.
“Sven Urgently needs to inject a spark, to discover fresh impetus, to lift the mood and raise the optimism.
“He needs a great player and Rooney, even if he is only 17, is already a great player.
“I suspect Sven had such thoughts in seriously considering an England comeback for Alan Shearer, a leader, a personality, a tough resolute competitor even if only for the qualifying games in Liechtenstein and against Turkey.
“But the future has to be Rooney. The dawn of a new England great should be witnessed from the start on Wednesday.”