Rooney unconcerned by critics

But Gerrard pays the price for versatility

Last updated: 8th September 2008

Wayne Rooney England training

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England striker Wayne Rooney insists he does not have a problem with his international goalscoring record.

The Manchester United star has netted only five goals for England since scoring twice against Croatia at Euro 2004.

Critics have begun to voice their concerns over Rooney's shortcomings in front of goal, but the 22-year-old is not worried.

"I've no problem with it," Rooney said. "It's a new campaign, a new start, and hopefully we can do well in this campaign."

Pay the price

Rooney is again expected to take his place in England's first XI against Croatia on Wednesday as the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign continues and the forward is well aware of the significance of the fixture.

"Croatia are a good footballing team and we know we'll have to be at the top of our game," added Rooney.

"We'll have to defend well, first of all, and create opportunities going forward. Hopefully we can do that."

Meanwhile, another England player who has come in for criticism at international level, Steven Gerrard, fears he is paying the price for his versatility.

Suffer

Gerrard told the Sunday Times: "I've paid the price for being able to do a decent job in other positions.

"Other players don't get shunted around because they can't do it. I can't go and play on the right or the left and become Kaka or Robinho, I just go out there, give 100 per cent and do a steady job.

"I'll work hard, do my bit defensively and help the team. That's why managers do it to me, but it is affecting me.

"My game suffers when my position is changed. I'm a central midfielder and in the big games I want to play in the middle and show that I'm one of the very best in that position."