Ferguson claims England can cope without Rooney
Ferguson thnks England can win without Rooney
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Saturday, 04, Oct 2008 11:08
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says England can cope without Wayne Rooney for the World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan next week.
The striker sustained an ankle injury against Aalborg in the Champions League on Tuesday and could miss today's fixture against Blackburn Rovers.
Although Ferguson says Rooney will be able to join up with the England squad, the Scot thinks Fabio Capello's side will be able to beat Kazakhstan without Rooney.
Ferguson hinted in the Daily Star that the 22-year-old could be saved for the match in Belarus four days later.
He told the newspaper: "If they decide to play him in one game and left him out on Saturday – it's not an issue with me.
"I have no problems with Rooney joining up with the England squad.
"The saving grace is that they should win both games comfortably, even if he isn't fit in time for next Saturday."
Ferguson says he trusts England boss Fabio Capello to make the right decision for the team and the player.
Kazakhstan are currently ranked 120th in the world according to Fifa while Belarus are currently 57th in the rankings and Ferguson thinks England can win without Rooney's help.
The United boss added: "I don't think this is the biggest test for England. They have got players who are more than capable of filling Wayne's boots in these games.
"But that is Fabio's call. He might want to play him next Saturday – and I'm sure he will be fit for that."
Capello will name his squad this weekend and will hope his preparations are not hit by any further injuries.