Rooney - England can win it

Striker accepts he may not go straight back into starting line-up

Last Updated: June 7, 2012 9:56am 

Wayne Rooney: Striker believes England are capable of winning Euro 2012

Wayne Rooney believes England are capable of winning Euro 2012 and is aware he is not guaranteed an instant return to Roy Hodgson's starting line-up.

England head into the European Championship with arguably the lowest level of expectation for many years, despite losing only twice in 17 games since the 2010 World Cup debacle.
The appointment of Roy Hodgson as coach to replace Fabio Capello just weeks before the start of the tournament, combined with a lengthy injury list, has prompted hopes of success to be downplayed in many quarters.
However, Rooney feels the 23-man squad at Hodgson's disposal is capable of advancing deep into the competition and is expecting 'big things' in Poland and Ukraine.
"We are trying and no-one should even think we are just turning up," said Rooney. "Sometimes when you lose, you have to hold your hands up.

"When you look at our squad, I don't see why we can't win it. There have been a lot of changes but I will expect big things."
Wayne Rooney Quotes of the week

"But when you look at our squad, I don't see why we can't win it. There have been a lot of changes but I will expect big things.
"If other people don't that is down to them. But we are good enough to get in semi-finals and finals. That is the aim."

Mistake

Rooney will miss the opening two group games against France and Sweden through suspension and he understands he will not walk straight back into the team for the final fixture against co-hosts Ukraine.
The Manchester United striker added: "It is the price I have to pay for making that mistake.
"It happened and I have to accept it. I will just prepare myself as if I was playing and hopefully come back into a winning team."
The 26-year-old also praised the early impact of Hodgson, saying: "When you have a change of manager, regardless who it is, you always think they might be looking to bring fresh players in.
"He said straight away he would take me, which was nice to hear.
"Already you can see he is very organised, which is something we have lacked during my time with England. It is great to have an Englishman in charge."