Focused Rooney wants Walcott to forget all about 8-2 thrashing

WAYNE Rooney insisted that it was time to focus on England rather than tease international team-mate Theo Walcott over Manchester United’s 8-2 win against Arsenal.

Rooney scored a hat-trick in Sunday’s rout at Old Trafford, while Walcott netted one of Arsenal’s goals. “We’re here to concentrate on England,” Rooney said at a press conference. “We want Theo at his best so don’t really want him to remember that result.”

As for his own form, Rooney said: “It’s always great to be in good form and scoring goals. I’m looking forward to getting back playing for England and helping us get the points we need.” Group G leaders England face two Euro 2012 qualifying matches in the week ahead, away to Bulgaria on Friday and at Wembley against Wales next Tuesday. “I think it’ll be a tough game, Bulgaria away,” Rooney said. “I’m sure it’ll be a good atmosphere and a difficult game to come away with three points from. Wales are a good team but I’d like to think we’ve got enough to beat them at home.”

Rooney and United team-mate Ashley Young look to have clicked effectively at club level and they could start in tandem for England. Young has begun to establish himself at international level, and his move from Aston Villa to United will see him play regular European football, allowing him to gain further experience.