HAS FERGIE DONE ENGLAND A MASSIVE FAVOUR?

The game of soccer (or football) was created in England. The theory is therefore that they should be the most successful country in the sport’s history. That is however not the case. The Three Lions have only lifted the World Cup trophy once and that was way back in 66. Penalties, injuries and red cards have stood between England and glory. It seems they can’t build up to an important tournament without some kind of media frenzy, be it about Beckham or Rooney’s foot, or the latest scandal, ex-captain John Terry’s private life.

Every team that runs out seems to be ‘the Golden Generation’ but so far little gold has been received. Sure the likes of Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard and Terry are not going to be around for much longer but there is some pretty good talent around in the up-coming generation. Just look at Aston Villa’s line-up; Ashely Young, Milner, Agbonlahor, Downing, Delph… The point is; this years’ World Cup isn’t the last opportunity England fans will have at seeing some silverware arrive on their shores.

In 2006 Wayne Rooney carried the hopes of a nation on his very young shoulders. He was not completely match-fit and most likely playing through the pain with a dodgy toe. Four years later and things have changed for the boy who saw himself sent off after earning a reputation as a hot head. The English media and fan base will not enjoy another quarter final exit – especially after a promising qualifying campaign. The hopes of the nation may well rest upon young Rooney’s shoulders again.

It was once said (with tongue in check) that Wayne Rooney was England’s best midfielder. The reason being that the Manchester United striker was often found frolicking around at left back or committing to crunching tackles in the middle of the park. His place is the six yard box and much criticism has come his way for not always being there. Roo was comfortably out-scored by Ronaldo last year – partly because he was often deployed wide left, while Berbatov ran down the middle. That has changed this year and the fruit of it is 21 league goals.

The question is what has brought about this change in goal scoring fortune for Wayne? I think there are two factors. Firstly; the ‘loss’ of Ronaldo. The Portuguese wingers ‘dream’ move to Real Madrid has meant that someone has had to step up and score the goals he took with him. Rooney has been used more centrally as well. The other reason why Rooney has become so prolific in front of goal – I think – is… Owen.

Michael Owen is an England great, a true predator and possibly the king of the six yard box. Fergie would never admit as much, but it’s possible that Owen arrived at Old Trafford for more reasons than to warm a bench (which is all he is doing at the moment). Maybe, just maybe, Sir Alex has shown his master class and brought in an aging, yet still highly gifted mentor. Owen’s legs are not what they were; his brain however, is as sharp as ever.

‘Well Wayne, what I normally do is…”

Owen didn’t sign a contract at United to play a couple of minutes here and there while others leeched striking tips off him. But exposure breeds change and that could just be what Sir Alex was hoping for. At the heart of every England footballer is a desire to see glory arrive in the Queens backyard. This is true of Owen. Despite his desperation to be a part of a successful England side, Owen would gladly help refine one of the best strikers around.

Rooney has matured, as a player, as a person and as a striker. Maybe it is because he became a father. Or maybe it’s because Sir Alex Ferguson exposed him to one of the greatest goal-poachers ever.

“It worked, just like you said Owen…”