• Euro 2012

Gerrard: No taming Rooney

ESPN staff
June 19, 2012
Wayne Rooney returns for England against Ukraine © Getty Images
Enlarge

England captain Steven Gerrard says he will not try to curb Wayne Rooney's enthusiasm ahead of the deciding Group D fixture with Ukraine on Tuesday evening.

Rooney, who has so far sat out the tournament while serving a two-match ban, is available for selection again and will walk straight into Roy Hodgson's starting XI.

Expectation and excitement has built in the lead-up to the game with a great deal of focus being thrown on the return of the Manchester United forward, and a few concerns have been expressed over the potential pitfalls of an unrestrained temperament.

Gerrard is not worried however and said: "I'm not going to tell Wayne Rooney not to be fired up for this game.

"That's what he is all about: pressing, being aggressive in the right way.

"We need him on the pitch. He's aware of that. He regrets his reaction when he got the suspension.

"But he's a world-class player and I can see it in his eyes that he's itching to get out there and perform."

While much attention has been given to Rooney's return there is also the matter of England's progression to the quarter-finals, and they need a point against Ukraine in Donetsk to secure their passage to the last eight.

"I am trying to force myself not even to talk about quarter-finals, or get involved in it," said Gerrard.

"It would be very disrespectful to the opposition, who are very dangerous.

"If I started talking about quarter-finals and we slipped up I would never forgive myself.

"Let's deal what we can expect if we get there."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices