Will He or Won't He?

It is funny, how absence of one player can affect a team. All of a sudden, England's dream of winning the World Cup has taken a setback after Wayne Rooney's injury. England, who were considered as favourites to win the WC, are now labelled as the outsiders for the tournament. But without Rooney, are England actually as weak? Not really. The English team still have some quality strikers, and they certainly cannot be ruled out of the World Cup. We have a look at England side, without Rooney.

First, the efence line. Surely, Rooney's absence will not have a impact on England's defence. With players like Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, John Terry and many more, England's defence looks as good as any other top flight team. They have plenty of experience at the back and with Paul Robinson or David James present between the two poles, England look a difficult side to score against. Then comes mid-field... Boy! Don't they have quality players here... there is Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, Joe Cole, Jermaine Jenas, Shaun Wrigh Phillips, ... Man they have plenty of strenght in the mid field. The important thing here for England is they have experienced players like Becks, Gerrard, Lampard alongwith some promising youngsters in the form of Wright-Phillips, Jenas, etc. So, the things don't look bad here. But then comes the area of concern for them. The forward line. Without Rooney, the forward line looks a bit shaky. Of course, there is Owen, who is quite experienced and a deadly finisher, but who will partner Owen is a million dollar question. There is the tallest English player Peter Crouch, who will be looking to captalise on Rooney's absence. Then there is Michael Carrick, who is most likely to partner Owen after some spectacular performance for Tottenham. Even Jermaine De Foe and Darren Bent will be looking to make most of the opportunity.

Well, without Rooney, England team looks strong enough to challenge any other team in the WC. Its just that the senior players should take the responsibility on their shoulder and play out of their skins. And the group that England are placed in, qualification in the second round is not that difficult, and who know's by then Rooney might be fit! England are set to announce their squad on Monday, will Rooney feature in the squad??? Will Sven Goran Errickson gmble on Rooney??? Well, these quetions will remain unanswered till the squad is announced. Only thing we can do is keep our fingers crossed and hope Rooney will be fit...

England's Group: Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Sweden.

First Group Match: 10th June 2006.

Last Group Match: 20th June 2006. (if England go through to the next round, then the possibilities are high that Rooney will play, as it would be around 8-weeks rest for him, which is enough.)

England WC Probables to be annouced on Monday, May 8: (My Guess)

David Beckham

Frank Lampard

Steven Gerrard

Michael Owen

Gary Neville

Sol Campbell

Ashley Cole

John terry

Wayne Bridge

Wes Brown

Ledley King

Jamie Carragher

Jermaine Jenas

Joe Cole

Shaun Wright-Phillips

Peter Crouch

Michael Carrick

Darren Bent

Paul Robinson

David James

WAYNE ROONEY