ANY regular reader will know I’m a big fan of Wayne Rooney.
But after watching England play Denmark, I have to accept his place in the side is under threat as next month’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales looms.
He might have notched a wonder goal in Saturday’s Manchester derby, but Rooney’s netted just once in his last 14 internationals, and was once again disappointing against the Danes.
Contrast that with Ashley Young, who came off the bench to replace Rooney for the second half, and England’s other scorer Darren Bent, who had his best game for the national team yet.
Okay, his finish was fairly simple, but he was still in the right place at the right time, and over the game as a whole, made a big contribution.
The attention has been on Bent since his £24m switch from Sunderland to play alongside Young at Aston Villa.
But he’s risen to the challenge and is producing some telling performances.
Young is also flourishing at Villa, and it was good to see him get a first goal for England and give Fabio something to think about between now and March 26, when England go to the Millennium Stadium.
Elsewhere in the team, it was interesting to see Jack Wilshere get a start, and he showed he can handle the big occasion.
And Scott Parker got another chance to show what he’s all about.
I believe the West Ham man is pretty underrated, and that was only his fourth cap.
Other than Chelsea, he’s played for clubs outside the very top echelon, which means he gets a little bit less attention.
But week in, week out at Charlton and Newcastle, he did a thorough job in the best of company. Now he’s doing the same for the Hammers, and it’s good that was recognised.
