View from overseas: Much a Roo about nothing

Story by Andrew Rogers

Andrew Rogers

"Why can't England survive without Rooney? Maybe somebody else will stand out. People should not be making this so dramatic, Rooney is a world-class player but England have other world-class players."
Three times Serie A and Champions League Winner - Edgar Davids

Surrey, UK (May 8, 2006) - The past week in English football has been as frenzied as I can remember. While I'm sure our beef has been passed fit to eat by the EU, I have a sneaking suspicion that we have become a nation of mad cows.

Of course I jest, but the news may have reached you that this week has been one of the most violent the in the gulf region. However, the biggest story in the last 7 days is that a 20 year old from Liverpool has broken his foot.

This is not news in itself but if one understood that the protagonist was to be a star performer in England's World Cup campaign. I'm sure you can appreciate the extent to the hysteria, and sense of a lack of purpose to the world in which we live.

So far opinions have been offered by psychics, faith healers and dare I say it Elvis, but significantly the drama has highlighted some valuable truths about the world's game that we can admire and learn from.

English football has at times concerned itself with the suggestion that football is over saturated with coverage from the media.

It is apparent that when it comes to Wayne Rooney and the National Team the public cannot get enough, this writer does wonder though as to what the tabloids would do if Wayne's last name was Smith.

Nonetheless, this has been one of the worst weeks in Iraq, yet the coverage and intensity of the public debate has not been nearly as vigorous, make of it what you will.

However, I do feel qualified to talk about the nature of the England debate. Firstly, it is alarming that players and coaches alike have come out declaring that without Rooney England's chances are severely diminished. Irrespective of the forward's talent the squad will include many of the world footballs elite net earners, they should have the confidence to feel they can win the tournament regardless of any major set back.

Greece proved only two years ago that team work as a commodity is far more valuable than the brilliance of a particular individual. It will not be lost on the leading international players that England have put on record that they feel their chances have been severely impaired by Rooney's injury.

Ceding psychological ground could be construed as profligate and thoughtless, but should actually work in England's favour as they could now be underestimated.

Few positives can be gained from the pressure placed on Rooney to return to the fray and consider himself fit though. Foot injuries are very serious for football players, as they govern their ability to grip the turf, rotate, balance and strike the ball. To rush a player back from such an ailment could have long term implications for his ability to perform.

Secondly, the metatarsal has been evaluated at best to heal in 6 weeks. The assumption is that he can then fully train to get match fit and/or play straight away at the highest level. This strategy regardless of an optimistic disposition is fraught with danger.

The plan fans the risk of the injury reoccurring or creating another problem, probably of a muscular nature as his body may not be ready to exert itself in such a manner.

Another concern is that should Rooney be in a position to participate, England are likely to have in place a coherent tactical plan and confidence running through the side, would it be worth making adjustments at this point?

To expect an unfit 20 year old, to come in and raise the game, is nonsensical, but Rooney is a character that could do this, with scant thought for his personal health. He sees opportunity not pressure, his mentality could see him push his body too far too soon.

While most of the criticism of the England manager has been ignorant and in some cases malicious, his reaction to the incident has been out of step with his usually cool demeanor.

"I will not rule him out until the doctors tell me there is no chance. No-one wants that to happen, everyone hopes he can take part in the World Cup at some stage."

Not having an alternative strategy or uttering public confidence in your back up strikers is puzzling but can surely be explained by brighter soccer minds.

Frank Lampard's timing in this respect was as impeccable, "We still have a great team, a squad full of top-class players and we are still in that bracket of teams who can win the World Cup."

However, the realities of the squad's feelings were probably better articulated by Stephen Gerrard, "It would be a disaster for England if we had to go to the World Cup without Wayne. He is idolized around the country and is our main man…I think it is impossible to have a successful World Cup without Wayne."

While Gerrard's honesty is commendable it is surprising not to hear from such a successful athlete that it is unfortunate for Wayne but the squad is talented and strong enough to overcome the obstacle.

England is in many ways the pinnacle of world football for players, coaches and fans. Yet at times it seems in terms of the mentality of winning it is behind the curve.

To me this was further highlighted by recent interviews with Hahnemann, Convey and DeMerit. They have suffered serious set backs in their careers yet had the presence of mind, manner and confidence to deal with them in the appropriate way.

Patently England have been upset by the potential absence of Rooney, but as a nation and as a football team it thrives in adversity and furthermore has the talent to overcome any hindrance thrown in its path.

Full interviews with Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann can be seen on Tuesday the 9th of May @ 8pm Eastern Time on Gol TV.

Andrew Rogers, contributes to USA Today, Gol TV and Four Four Two. He lives in Sunbury on Thames in England. Formerly the director of communications for the Long Island (N.Y.) Rough Riders, he is a UEFA 'B" license coach and plays semi-professionally with Spelthorne FC.