Rooney reveals England focus

United striker eager to move on from Rome reverse

Last updated: 4th June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rooney reveals England focus

Rooney: England focus

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Wayne Rooney will use England's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan to get the UEFA Champions League misery out of his system.

The Manchester United striker and his Old Trafford team-mates were outclassed in Rome on May 27th as Barcelona claimed a 2-0 victory.

Rather than dwell on their showpiece slump, Rooney has the opportunity to refocus as England prepare for their fixtures in Kazakhstan and then at home to Andorra the following Wednesday.

Fabio Capello's men have a 100 per cent record from their opening five games in Group Six and will be on the brink of qualification for South Africa 2010 if they can take six points from their next two games.

Brilliant

"We were disappointed to lose the game," Rooney said. "To be honest, we decided to forget about it the next day and try to concentrate on these England games.

"I'm delighted now I have a chance to put that to the back of my mind. It would be nice to get a win with England and a goal or two. We're looking forward to this game.

"It's not too difficult (to focus) because it is two World Cup qualifiers for your country and a massive opportunity to qualify so I'm looking forward to it.

"Six points from these two games and then we are a win away from qualifying. That is our aim, to try to do that. That would be brilliant for us to start preparing for the World Cup."

Rooney's starting role is as a forward, just behind Emile Heskey, until he interchanges mid-match with Steven Gerrard on the left flank.

Scoring and creating

"We've worked on it a lot," Rooney said. "We've spoken, me and Steven, and we're enjoying it. We're getting involved. We're scoring goals, making goals. Hopefully that can continue.

"I've really enjoyed it. Emile has done a great job holding the ball up and it gives the likes of me and Steven the chance to get in space, get on the ball and do what we like doing best - scoring goals and creating goals.

"That is how it's been for the last few games."