 | WALES v ENGLAND Kick-off: 1500 BST, Saturday 3rd September Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Live coverage on BBC Radio Five Live and this website |
Wayne Rooney is ready to shoulder the burden of a lone-striking role in England's World Cup qualifier against Wales in Cardiff. It is expected that Rooney, 19, will be handed the role in a tactical shake-up by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
The Manchester United striker said: "I don't think it's too much pressure, I'm a professional player and I love playing football.
"As long as I've given my best, then hopefully it will go all right for us."
Rooney is tipped to be the focal point in a change of formation adopted by Eriksson following England's 4-1 defeat by Denmark in a friendly in Copenhagen.
Chelsea's Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips could provide support for Rooney from the flanks, but the Manchester United youngster is unconcerned by speculation over England's new formation.
"I've quite a few caps now and have scored a few goals, plus there are a lot more players in the squad that I've played with or against at club level.
"I'm a lot more settled than when I first got into the team.
"Obviously you get nervous before any game but when you walk out on to the pitch you have got to try and blank everything out and concentrate on the match."
MMIX
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