Capello challenges Rooney to end England goal-drought

Fabio Capello believes Wayne Rooney must end his England goal-drought against Andorra on Saturday to shatter the mental block affecting his performances for the national team.

Rooney’s last goal for his country was in Russia 11 months ago and the Manchester United striker has scored only twice in competitive internationals since Euro 2004.

It is a woeful run for a player regarded as England’s talisman. But Rooney has no problem producing wonder-goals and match-winning displays for United and Capello is convinced he has developed a confidence problem when he pulls on an England shirt.

Rooney struggled once again in last month’s 2-2 friendly draw against the Czech Republic as he recovered from a virus, but he is fully fit now and Capello expects a significant improvement in Saturday’s opening World Cup qualifier at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.

“He has to score the goal. Psychologically it is very important for the forward. If you don’t score goals it is a problem,” Capello said. “I think it is very important for Rooney to be perfect physically. The first game he was not fit but now he is better.”

With Rooney struggling for rhythm, Capello’s decision to drop Michael Owen looks an even bigger gamble.

The Newcastle striker returned from illness and a calf injury to score in his substitute appearances against Bolton and Coventry, but failed to impress Capello in Saturday’s defeat at Arsenal.

That was Owen’s first start since last season and Capello left the Emirates Stadium certain England’s most clinical finisher was not fit to play any part against Andorra or, more importantly, Croatia on Wednesday.

Owen’s absence from the squad was seen in some quarters as the end of his England career but Capello insists he could return.

“I saw the last game Michael played. I checked him and I decided not to put him in the squad because he is not fit at this moment,” Capello said.

“We have very important games. Andorra is too soon for Michael because it is very important we score a goal.

“The game on Saturday was the first he had started. It is impossible to be fit after the first game. That’s why I didn’t put him in. But the door is always open to the players not in the squad.”

After five friendlies produced mixed results, Capello has quickly arrived at judgement day.

England’s lacklustre displays since he replaced Steve McClaren last year have hardly inspired belief that the Italian will turn his team into serious contenders for the 2010 World Cup.

The jeers that rolled down the Wembley stands after the Czech Republic friendly brought back painful memories of England’s last clash with Andorra, when a 3-0 win failed to stop McClaren and his players suffering vitriolic abuse.

Another poor performance against the part-timers of Andorra would be potentially fatal ahead of England’s most important fixture in Zagreb next week.

But Capello, who has been drilling his side with double training sessions to implement his tactical plans, sees signs of an improvement.

“I think it is a different atmosphere. I saw the players very concentrated on their job and their work during the week,” he said.

“I am very happy to have had these five day to work. I have confidence for this game and the next one.

“I saw a lot of improvement because the players understand what I want. In this moment I am very confident for the next two games.”

While England’s 7,000 travelling fans will be ready with the brickbats if their team splutter again, Capello gladly puts victory ahead of an entertaining display.

“Every game every manager is ready to be judged,” he said. “It is one game. It is important because we have to win and play a good game but most important is the three points.”