Wayne Rooney burst onto the scene for Everton in 2002 as one of the most enthralling and idiosyncratic footballing talents to come out of England for decades. And it wasn’t long before Sir Alex Ferguson and United decided to snap up a player, who finally, gave the nation a reason to dream. And when Rooney came bursting through the international scene at the Euros in Portugal in 2004 scoring four goals in three group stage matches, before an injury in the quarterfinal ended his tournament, the overwhelming feeling was that this was a player who had the potential to drive England to major honors – a genuine, top-class English player who combined aggression and flair, two traits that have often cohabited the minds of the retaliatory brutal Mark Hughes or the troubled genius Eric Cantona, United legends who were as likely to produce a moment of magic as much as they were likely to kick someone in the nuts.
Make no mistake, this was no ordinary player. This was a player destined for greatness, the kind of player that comes along once in a generation – a player who combined the best of both worlds – the old-School English hustle and barge, and the speed and technicality of the Spanish or Germans. And the start to his career at the Theatre of Dreams was the stuff of dreams. A brilliant hat-trick against Fenerbahce on a beautiful September night at Old Trafford was the simplest way to answer the critics who were looking skeptical of the 25.6 million pounds United shelled out for a teenager. The Guardian’s Rob Smyth, a United fan himself, was reporting on the game, and was stunned by an 18-year old who looked capable of conquering the world. “The hairs on the back of my neck are going ballistic… we all knew he was good, but that was frightening.” England finally had somebody to pin their hopes on.
It wasn’t only the flair and aggression that carried him through – this was a player opposition defenders feared, a player who imposed himself on the opposition with his fearless attitude and physicality, not to mention an instinct for finding the goal from virtually any position. But Rooney’s rise at United coincided with the rise of a self-obsessed psychopath from Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo seemed more concerned about whether there was enough gel on his hair in his first couple of seasons at United, and his showboating, selfishness and arrogance were often misinterpreted as a manifestation of his immaturity, but this fanatical desire to become the best in the world was what drove the Portuguese to the pinnacle of the game in 2008 as he won the Balon d’Or with Manchester United winning the Champions League that season. Maybe Ronaldo just wanted it more. More than Rooney.
Rooney’s competitiveness, determination and the desire to contribute for the team’s cause was shaped into defensive work and playing second fiddle to Ronaldo, who emerged as United’s talisman. Rooney was shunted out to the left wing to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the attack against Barcelona in the UCL final in Rome in ’09, much like he was asked to play at right wing to keep the screws on Ronaldo when United visited Real at the Bernabeu in Ferguson’s last season in charge, while Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck, of all people, led the line. Oh, Sir Alex, why on Earth?
When Ronaldo’s lust for glory took him to his dream club, Real Madrid, Rooney finally had the chance to prove his mettle. This was an opportunity he wasn’t going to let go, as United replaced the best player in the world with the best player at Wigan. Rooney fired goals left, right, and centre and developed an impressive aerial prowess out of thin air, destroyed Allesandro Nesta at the San Siro, finished with 34 goals in all competitions and was the best player in the league by a distance. He was finally looking like the force of nature he had always threatened to be. United were looking good for another Champions League final until Mario Gomez trod on his foot, Robben knocked United out, and Sir Alex’s side made a meal of the title in the latter weeks. A disappointing end to the season was followed by a disappointing World Cup for England as Rooney’s biggest contribution in South Africa was to lambast the England supporters on camera after a dull, listless draw against Algeria.
What followed as a season of turmoil for Rooney at United as he nearly made a switch across town to City but stayed on for a fatter paycheck and assurances that United would continue the attract the best talents in the world. United lost another Champions League final to Lionel Messi’s genius, and the camera which zoomed in on Rooney showed his slightly unfortunate TV close-up face, a regular sight following English disappointments in major competitions – a sad, knackered, spam-faced Rooney with a seemingly hopeless demeanor. If only he could look as darkly heroic as David Beckham or as gracious as Frank Lampard after a defeat. But that is far from it – there is no player on the football pitch who works harder than Wayne Rooney. It might not always come off for him, but it isn’t for the lack of effort.
But another prolific 34-goal season in 2011/12 was followed by Sir Alex’s decision to buy the high-flying Robin van Persie from Arsenal. Rooney was asked to play as a No.10 behind RvP, at left wing to track back and do the dirty work, in central midfield against Sunderland as the former Arsenal man led United’s attack. RvP won the title with all his goals, and Rooney seemed to have lost his striker’s instinct for good. Maybe it was Ferguson’s arrogance which caused him to drop Rooney in the pecking order after the season he had, or maybe it was because Sir Alex lost faith in Rooney as a lone striker. Picking a fight with Ferguson is not something that is done lightly. Few people, and no United players, had lived to tell the tale. Ask Roy Keane on how it worked out for him. Sir Alex never forgives, he never forgets. Keane was the last straw for him, and he never went on to buy or deal with players who could take on the manager. Rooney was no yes-man, unfortunately.
Wayner Rooney is completely off-colour this season
Rooney’s demand for transfer activity backfired on him. A new United hero emerged in the form of Robin van Persie, and Rooney reverted to looking disinterested and lost. A mere 12 goals in the League, thanks to being asked to shield the back four at times. Rooney seemed to have become Sir Alex’s ‘workhorse’, a role that had been increasingly fostered upon him thanks to a manager who lost belief in the England man as a week-in, week out goalscorer, and in the absence of a Roy Keane-like presence in the team. I ask again – Oh, Sir Alex, why on Earth? Rooney had to be content being an important contributor in a good team, and slowly but steadily, the idea that Rooney would grace the pinnacle of the sport was beginning to die down.
What has followed since was a transitional season gone miserably wrong, and the small steps that United have taken to get back to their glory days under an arrogant Dutchman who, unlike David Moyes, seems to know what he’s doing. It is safe to say that Rooney has lost that vicious goalscoring instinct which he possessed in his early days, his meagre tally of 42 goals in 96 league appearances since the start of the 2012/13 season is highly unidentifiable of a player who could have touched the skies if he tried in his teenage days. Rooney seems to have lost a yard or two of pace, his first touch in recent games has only been marginally better than a football controlling another football, and that knack for goal, that instinct to find the net has disappeared. Rooney is still a top player, there isn’t any doubt about that – he just isn’t a top striker anymore.
Rooney has a fair case to be enshrined as the nation’s most polarising footballer in decades, the most widely condemned, inexplicably blamed England player in a long time – even as the nation’s leading goalscorer with a rate of goals as good as the likes of Ronaldo and Messi in international matches, he continues to be regarded as a choker, a big-game sucker, a subject of squealing rage. He did create and score England’s only goals in Brazil last year, was arguably England’s best player, is their highest scorer with 50 goals, and yet continues to draw squeals and jeers from a set of fans who expected so much more. The retreat from the promise of a 17-year old who seemed capable of carrying the expectations of a nation on his shoulders – to a 29-year old who leaves you wondering which Rooney would turn up, can’t be easy to digest. Rooney still remains the ‘last of the street footballers’, as David Moyes remarked – a modern take on old-School English footballing ideology which combined hustle and barge with odd moments of technical brilliance, but he could have been so much more.
The suggestion that Rooney has held the team back – both United and England – is however a farcical one. Yes, he has lost some of his early age abilities – his lung-bursting pace, his ability to create a yard, shape his body, lock his target and wrap his foot around the ball before those around him could react. He now relies on his finishing, his vision, his eye for a pass, his ability to graft – his only crime being simply that he was almost a great player. He was so nearly upon that special platform at the doorstep of footballing utopia that the likes of Ronaldo and Messi have reached. He was so nearly there, but not quite. No, he isn’t overrated. The young Wayne Rooney was the best thing in football at that moment in time. That, in itself, makes looking at the current Wayne Rooney all the more difficult, as a United and England fan both.
Wayne Rooney
That being said, Wayne Rooney playing as pathetically as he has been isn’t acceptable. Rooney has to dig deep and find something, he has to step up and be counted in what is a vital season for United. Rooney has achieved everything there is to achieve in the game, he could not care the slightest and still walk away with both the England and United goal scoring records in a while, but would that really be enough? There’s still something unfinished about him – something lost and misplaced in his early days and never quite recovered. Rooney could have been so much more.
Steve Jobs took to an Indian temple for inspiration before coining his Apple Idea, Rooney could go the spiritual way if he pleases. He has to find inspiration from somewhere. It is that desire to succeed that separates the best from the mediocre, it is time for one last throw of the dice for the Manchester United and England captain. He could choose to look back on his career as a series of ‘what might have been’, or he could look at it with pride that even though ultimate greatness eluded him, he represented his club and country with his heart on his sleeve and never stopped trying. It remains to be seen whether he can silence the critics one last time.
Argentina will be aiming for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title when they take on Colombia
The Copa America 2024 is set for an electrifying conclusion as defending champions Argentina face off against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. This highly anticipated final marks the first-ever Copa America final meeting between these two footballing powerhouses. Argentina aim to secure a record-breaking 16th title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Argentina’s road to the final has been marked by grit and determination. They navigated a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarter-finals before securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring, followed by a historic goal from Lionel Messi, who now stands as the second-highest male goalscorer in international football with 109 goals.
Argentina’s unbeaten streak now extends to 10 matches, and they remain unbeaten in major tournament knockout games on American soil since the 1994 World Cup. It is no understatement that they go into the clash as favourites.
Colombia are no pushovers, however. They have been in exceptional form. Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 28 matches.
Jefferson Lerma’s header gave Colombia the lead before Daniel Munoz’s red card put them at a numerical disadvantage against Uruguay. Despite this setback, Colombia’s resilience shone through as they held on to secure their place in the final. The victory over Uruguay was marred by a brawl involving Uruguayan players and Colombian supporters, but Colombia’s focus remained unwavering. This final represents a chance for Colombia to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
For the final, Argentina face no injury or suspension issues. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup. The defence will feature a solid back four with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Emiliano Martinez as the goalkeeper.
In the midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul are anticipated to keep their places, even though Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios are pushing for a start. Angel Di Maria is poised for his international farewell on the right wing. Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive on the international stage, will play a crucial role, linking up with Messi from the midfield.
Lionel Messi, who overcame a leg injury to play the full match against Canada, will lead the attack alongside Julian Alvarez. Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, is expected to begin on the bench and should be brought on in the second half.
Predicted Playing XI (4-4-2): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lis. Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Colombia
With Daniel Munoz suspended, Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back, joining Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in a solid four-man backline. Camilo Vargas will likely be the goalkeeper.
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos are expected to form the double pivot, providing protection for the defence and allowing the attacking players to push forward.
Captain James Rodriguez, who has recorded a tournament-high six assists, will continue in the number 10 role. He will be supported by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias on the flanks.
Jhon Cordoba, who has contributed with two goals and two assists, is expected to lead the attack, with Jhon Duran and Rafael Santos Borre available as options.
Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Key Stats
- Victory will see Argentina win their 16th Copa America title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s illustrious history.
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 international games.
- Argentina have won 26 of their 43 meetings against Colombia in all competitions.
- A win for Colombia will see them win just their second Copa America title, their first since 2001.
Match Deciding Duel
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) vs James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Argentina have been solid in defence and penetrating their backline has proven to be a challenge for most sides in the competition. Colombia have a rather dynamic attack but will depend on the veteran James Rodriguez to act as the playmaker.
With the likes of Luis Diaz able to make the most of opportunities, the onus will be on Enzo Fernandez to ensure Rodriguez does not have space to manoeuvre in. The duel between the two players could certainly set the tone for which way the cookie crumbles on the night.
Prediction
Argentina 2-1 Colombia
The clash is likely to be an entertaining one with the midfield battle expected to set the tone for the result. Argentina. however, have more strength in depth and the ability to bring a player of Lautaro Martinez’s calibre off the bench in the second half is akin to a cheat code. The Inter Milan star is expected to lead the defending champions to a close 2-1 win on the night.
Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final
As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the football world braces for a thrilling final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This highly anticipated match will determine the champions of Europe, with Spain looking to add to their illustrious history and England aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the first time.
Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament somewhat under the radar but quickly established themselves as a formidable contender. They navigated the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with ease, securing nine points from three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Impressively, they emerged from the group stage without conceding a goal to an opposition player.
In the knockout stages, Spain demonstrated their resilience and quality. A stunning 4-1 comeback against Georgia in the last-16 and a tense extra-time victory over hosts Germany in the quarter-finals showcased their grit and talent. The semi-final against France was another test of their mettle, with young star Lamine Yamal lighting up the Allianz Arena and Dani Olmo sealing the win.
Spain’s journey to the final has not been without challenges, but their blend of experience and youthful exuberance has seen them through. They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to become the first European men’s team to win four major tournaments consecutively.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Gareth Southgate’s men had a mixed group stage, winning only once against Serbia and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia. Their knockout phase has been a tale of resilience and drama, coming from behind in both the last-16 and quarter-finals.
A lacklustre win over Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland set the stage for a semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Despite early setbacks, including a goal from Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, England produced their best performance of the tournament. A late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a perfect penalty from Harry Kane, propelled them to their second consecutive Euro final.
Southgate’s squad has shown incredible determination and character, setting new records along the way. Kane’s scoring feats and the team’s ability to perform under pressure have been pivotal to their success.
We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News and Predicted XI
Spain
Spain’s bad-tempered quarter-final against Germany saw Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand fall foul of the referee, leading to their suspensions for the semi-final. Both players are now back at De la Fuente’s disposal, bringing much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI. Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas, while Le Normand should push Nacho to the bench.
Spain are expected to maintain a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Daniel Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should hold the flanks in defence, while Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should form the centre-back pairing. Rodri should form the midfield pivot, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward.
Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support. Morata was initially a concern given his freak injury after the win against France. Thankfully for Spain, he trained normally and should lead them out.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England
England arrive in Berlin with a fully fit squad, including Luke Shaw, who has recovered from injury. Shaw’s performance against Switzerland and his effective stint in the semi-final suggests he may start, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Southgate is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Jordan Pickford will guard the goal, with a back three of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi.
Shaw and Kyle Walker will operate as wing-backs, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham form the midfield pivot. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will support captain Harry Kane in attack. Southgate has enough game-changers on the bench and it remains to be seen if he will have the nerve to make bold calls or play the long game and roll the dice.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Key Stats
- A victory on the night will see Spain secure their fourth title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
- A win for England will see them triumph in the European Championships for the first time in their history.
- Spain and England have faced off 27 times in all competitions. La Roja have won 10 games while England have won 14. Three games ended in a draw.
- England have never lost to Spain in a UEFA European Championship clash before.
Match Deciding Duel
Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Luke Shaw (Spain)
Lamal has been a critical difference-maker for Spain in this year’s tournament and will hope to end it on a high. Up against the recently returned Luke Shaw, he will aim to run rings against the English veteran.
Shaw’s ability to get caught out could provide Yamal the space he needs to run into and put the English backline into disarray. This should also subsequently free up Dani Olmo to make his trademarks into the box.
Prediction
Spain 1-1 England (Spain to Win on Penalties)
England will be keen to end their trophy drought and also go one better than last time around. While they have a strong squad with plenty of depth, Southgate’s inability to take calculated risks should play right into Spain’s hands. It remains unlikely that the trophy will go ‘home’ anytime soon.
Argentina and Canada will face off in the first semifinal of Copa America 2024, a repeat of the competition opener from Group A
Canada have a golden opportunity to make history as they face defending champions Argentina in the first semi-final of Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
In a rematch of their tournament opener, Canada can become the second CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America final. Both sides advanced to the semi-finals via penalty shootouts, with Argentina defeating Ecuador and Canada overcoming Venezuela after 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.
Argentina’s path to the semi-finals has been fortified by their exceptional defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The victory over Ecuador secures their fifth consecutive appearance in the Copa America semi-finals. Historically, Argentina have been strong at this stage, progressing in seven of their last eight attempts, with the only setback being against Brazil in 2019.
A triumph on Tuesday would mark the first time Argentina reached the Copa America final as defending champions since 1959. Scaloni’s team has been defensively sound, conceding just once throughout the tournament. The Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, allowing only three goals during this period.
On the other hand, Canada has shown remarkable resilience since their initial loss to Argentina. Jesse Marsch’s squad has conceded just once in their last three games. They are the third CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semi-finals in their debut appearance, following Honduras and Mexico. They are also the first from the region to advance this far since the USA in 2016.
This semi-final marks Canada’s fifth appearance in the final four of a continental tournament this century. They have progressed beyond this stage twice, in the 2023 Nations League and the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada aims to emulate Mexico’s 2001 Copa America run, where Mexico reached the final before losing to Colombia.
Argentina’s defensive stability and tactical discipline under Scaloni will be pivotal, also giving their world-class frontline a base to build upon. Canada, under Marsch, has transformed into a more disciplined and resilient team. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies will be crucial in breaking down Argentina’s defence. SoccerSouls takes a closer look at this clash.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
Lionel Messi was not at his best against Ecuador and will be keen to make amends for the penalty miss in the shootout. he missed the final group game with a hamstring injury but now appears to be back to full fitness.
Lionel Scaloni is likely to retain his flexible 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes should perform the role of the pivot in the centre, giving Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and the dynamic Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push forward. Lionel Messi is expected to don the playmaker’s role with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez leading the line. Angel Di Maria will offer Argentina another option off the bench should they need to shift gears.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez
Canada
Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan remains a major doubt for Canada after he suffered a broken tibia during training just days before their match against Venezuela. This injury puts his participation in doubt not just for the semi-final clash against Argentina but also for the remainder of the tournament.
Jesse Marsch has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from for the clash and is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maxime Crépeau in goal. The shot-stopper should be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio should form the double pivot, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker. Cyle Larin should start up front, with Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg providing support out wide.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin
Key Stats
- Argentina have never conceded a goal against Canada.
- Argentina have not lost a major tournament match on U.S. soil since a 3-2 defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup’s round of 16.
- A win on the night will see Canmada make it to their first-ever Copa America final at the first time of asking.
- Argentina have not made it to the final of the competition as defending champions since 1959.
Match Deciding Duel
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) vs Derek Cornelius (Canada)
Lautaro Martinez is the top scorer in the tournament this season and has made it a habit of scoring late goals for Argentina. This augurs well for a side that is defensively compact, giving them a second wind to settle the game as the opposition gets tired. Derek Cornelius will have his hands full all night but will know that he cannot slack off for even a second with Martinez on the prowl.
Argentina’s ability to score late coupled with Canada’s vulnerabilities in the second half of the game makes for a thrilling finale in the final 30 minutes of the first semifinal. While Argentina do have several threats and matchwinners in their lineup, Martinez’s clinical touch has given them the edge this summer. He will certainly be aiming to make a difference once again on Tuesday.
Transfer Watch
Jonathan David
The LOSC Lille attacker is Canada’s trump card going forward and is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants this summer. David is a pacy player whose ability to get into space and clinical ability in the box helps make a difference. While several clubs are keeping tabs on him, a solid showing against the defending FIFA World Cup holders will only help boost his profile among potential suitors.
David will be up against the meanest defence in the competition on the night. The duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez aren’t just formidable defenders but their ‘take no prisoners’ approach will certainly add a physical element to the duel. David is unlikely to come up against a meaner backline in the competition and how well he handles this challenge could determine his stock this summer.
Prediction
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Both teams will be familiar with each other having felt each other out on the opening day. The stakes are much higher this time round and Canada will be hoping for a monumental upset. Argentina were handed a late scare against Ecuador and that perhaps will ensure they don’t take Tuesday’s game for granted. The game should be a hard-fought one with Argentina’s match winners making the difference in the second half of the game.
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