Rooney: England revels in English feeling

England striker Wayne Rooney has claimed ‘everyone being English’ has helped Roy Hodgson’s side at Euro 2012.

When asked whether the change in personnel has helped the squad, Rooney said: “I’d say so, all the coaching staff.

“I think it helps everyone being English, there’s no words lost in translation, and everyone knows what the manager expects of them.

“The manager trusts his players. He’s given us a lot of rest, a lot of downtime, under the former manager there was an element of trust but Roy has now come in.”

On the topic of the Ukraine game, the Manchester United forward remained confident, backing them to handle the atmosphere of playing one of the co-hosts.

“It’ll be a big challenge. They’ll have the majority of the support and the majority of the fans in the stadium,” he said.

“We’ve been to a lot of stadiums around Europe now and we’ve had to deal with these types of atmospheres. If we have to take a point, we’ll happily do that, but we’re going into the game for the win.

“I have no problems with my attitude, I have no problems with my temperament. I’ve paid my price and now.

“I’m ready to play. I thought with a 3-game ban I probably wouldn’t be here, but I’m ready to play and I’m excited.

After missing the first two games against both France and Sweden through suspension, he then went on to confess that he’s itching to get out on the pitch again, putting aside any concerns there may have been about whether he’s fit and ready to play.

“Yeah, fine, I’ve taken part in every training session, I’m ready and waiting just to go out on the pitch.

“I don’t put that pressure on myself to be honest, there’s 23 players in the squad and there’s pressure on us all, it’s great that we’re scoring goals. I’m not going to win the Euros on my own.

“When you’re watching the game it’s always more difficult than playing. Obviously, when you’re playing the game, you can always do something to try and change the game.

England manager Roy Hodgson looks set to restore Rooney straight back into the starting line-up against Ukraine, at the expense of either Danny Welbeck or Andy Carroll.

The two strikers started against Sweden, scoring a goal each, and the 25 year-old remains wary of the competition for places should he not perform.

“It’s great for me that we’ve got goals in the squad, it’s great competition for me,” Rooney said.

“They’re (Carroll and Welbeck) different types of players.

“I know Danny from playing with my club and we’ve got a great relationship.

Andy is a big old-fashioned number nine who scores goals and I think we mustn’t forget Jermain (Defoe), who is probably one of the most natural goalscorers you’re ever likely to see and I think between us there’s four good strikers there.”