Troubled Wayne Rooney still pivotal to England cause, vows James Milner

Published on Sunday 5 September 2010 21:19

James Milner has assured Wayne Rooney he will be a welcome presence in the England team tomorrow night.

Despite speculation to the contrary, it seems Rooney will be in Fabio Capello's starting line-up for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland in Basle.

Rooney has been the subject of intense scrutiny in his private life in two Sunday newspapers and there was a feeling he would ask to be allowed home in order to try and patch up his relationship with wife Coleen.

However, FA sources have confirmed they expect the 24-year-old to be aboard this morning's flight from Luton. He remained at the team hotel in Watford on Saturday night and trained at Arsenal's London Colney base yesterday morning.

And, for all the off-field worries, Manchester City midfielder Milner is adamant England are a better side if Rooney remains where he is. "You want your best players out on the field and he's one of those," said Milner. "He is top player. He showed that Friday and I am sure he will continue to show that."

Although it is now 11 games since Rooney last scored for his country, a run that stretches back to the World Cup hammering of Croatia at Wembley 12 months ago, the Manchester United star claimed three assists in Friday's 4-0 destruction of Bulgaria at Wembley and had a major role in England's other goal.

Capello will want to be sure his No 1 striker remains in the right frame of mind for tomorrow's game, the start of a week that concludes with an always fraught trip to former club Everton.

However, on ability alone, he is an automatic choice. "Wayne did the full session this morning," confirmed Milner. "That's all I can tell you. You are going to have to ask him the other questions. It has been business as usual this morning. We are back to football. That is what we are here to do."

Rooney's problems do rather take the edge off England's encouraging performance on Friday and, in the wake of recent stories about John Terry, which cost him the captaincy, and Peter Crouch, show how voracious is the appetite for stories about the nation's most high-profile footballers. And Milner acknowledges they must not be allowed to distract the England squad from their most immediate task.

"We have got to make sure things don't affect us," he said.

"Things are always being said in the paper, good and bad, about the England team.

"That is part and parcel of football. The only thing that matters is what happens on the field.We just have to make sure we get the result.

"Winning matches is the only thing that matters."

Meanwhile, Adam Johnson admits he thrives on the pressure of having to perform for England after scoring on his competitive debut against Bulgaria at Wembley.

The Manchester City winger capped a fine display with the third goal in England's 4-0 win in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

Johnson was disappointed to miss out on Fabio Capello's final squad for South Africa.

But he is determined to make amends by playing a significant role in England booking their spot in Ukraine and Poland in two years time.

He said: "It was massive for me on Friday, scoring my first goal in my first competitive game.

"The goal on Friday was the highlight of my career. As a kid you dream about scoring at Wembley for England.

"That was definitely the career high for me. I just hope there are a few more.

"It is brilliant being here. I don't mind having the pressure of performance.

"That brings me on more. I just want to do what I have being doing for my club. Pressure makes me play better.

"Everyone wants to start games. I am no different. It is a big job. You have to help the team out. Coming on and getting the third goal was massive for me. I will just keep trying to do well for my club and force my way in."

Johnson made the initial 30 for South Africa but was left out along with fellow winger Theo Walcott when Capello decided upon his final choices.

He said: "The World Cup comes around every four years. No matter how it goes, it is always good to say you have been to a World Cup.

"I would have liked to go and show what I can do on the biggest stage. Now I have to wait another four years. I was disappointed with the decision but it is behind me now."

Johnson has his sights on success for club and country this season. He

Johnson admitted: "For my club this season I want to win something, go for the title or to reach the Champions League. For England I want to get as many caps as I can, try and get in the starting XI and hopefully score some more goals.".