Man Child

Discussions concerning Wayne Rooney's petulant behaviour during the latest England match continued at the weekend The genius-like Alan Shearer was consulted as to whether Rooney should be taken to Euro 2012 next summer (Rooney is suspended for the first 3 games) and his response was filled with the usual footballer's guff. 'Wayne Rooney' claimed Shearer with utter conviction 'is the difference between England winning or losing a tournament.'

Shearer seems to have forgotten that England haven't been close to winning a tournament since 1996. In the intervening 15 years, whilst England have faltered, stumbled and gone backwards we have watched Germany fall and rise again; we have seen Spain shake off the mantle of nearly-men to bestride the world of football. That's not to mention the French who, inspired by Zidane, were an end-of-millennium force of nature.

But we'll ignore all of that (just like Shearer) and examine Rooney's contributions in tournaments to determine how his influence raises England to the status of world beaters..

2004. He gets injured during a vital match against Portugal which England go on to lose on penalties.
2006. Injured during the build up to this World Cup. Never looks fit and gets himself sent off during a vital game against Portugal which England go on to lose on penalties.
2008. England fail to make the Euro 2008 tournament. England lost their last qualifying match against Croatia. A result which sent the Croats through and consigned Steve McClaren to 'ridicule by tabloid' - a time honoured tradition for England managers. Rooney's contribution to this game? Nothing. He was suspended.
2010. Rooney is seen on the pitch for all of England's games but his most telling contribution was a foul-mouthed tirade against his own supporters who had the temerity to complain about their team's lack lustre display (a 1-1 draw against footballing behemoths Algeria).

If we were to agree with Shearer's comment (no Rooney = no chance for England) then we'd also have to say that Rooney continues to let his country down. His petulance means that he can't cope with the pressure of playing for England in high-profile games. His latest indiscretion is yet another incident that have robbed England of his services just when he is most needed. That he is a great footballer is open to question. What can't be questioned is that he is a 26 year man-child who needs to grow up fast if he is fulfil his potential.