McClaren denies Roo rift

March 26, 2007

ENGLAND manager Steve McClaren has described reports of a bust-up with striker Wayne Rooney as "an absolute load of rubbish".

Rooney and McClaren were said to have clashed following Saturday's 0-0 draw with Israel, a result which leaves England off the pace in qualification for Euro 2008

But the former Middlesbrough manager told Sky Sports News: "It's an absolute load of rubbish."

He added: "What happens in the dressing room, happens in the dressing room. We get on well with each other."

McClaren also denied a rift with assistant Terry Venables, saying: "It's an absolute load of rubbish.

"People are just trying to stir things. The togetherness of the squad has never been better. Terry gives me advice like all the staff do and he gives me great advice."

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Nathan, Finchampstead (26/03/2007 at 15:39)

So it's all a load of rubbsh then? That explains the performances!

Reds4Ever, West Yorkshire (26/03/2007 at 15:45)

Rooney, get the hump and mouth off. Don't beleive a word of it!

george (26/03/2007 at 16:33)

I'm not interested in this story,but Rooney needs to commit himself to his game.Perhaps he's begun to believe in the headlines about his greatness.He seems to be only showing flashes of brilliance.He works hard for the team on the pitch,but is he working hard enough in training.He seems to have lost a bit of spark.He needs to be honest with himself and sort it out.You can't be a great footballer by simply being a gifted footballer.

karma2007, rochdale,greater manchester (26/03/2007 at 17:13)

there's no smoke without fire.

gazza, margate (26/03/2007 at 19:59)

I dont like McClaren but if he has the nerve to stand up to these over rated player's GREAT !! bring in some young fresh players gazza CTID

DanMCFC, Middleton (26/03/2007 at 21:25)

Rooney is living on his reputation at the moment. Both him and Lampard should be dropped. Oh no! god forbid, u cant drop the one, the only Wayne Rooney, who hasn't scored a champions leauge goal for 2 years and hasn't scored a goal for england in a competative game since Euro 2004!

COLIN, CANADA, Canada (27/03/2007 at 01:41)

If you were in Roney's boots and you were getting the service he got in Israel, You would be angry. Here would be Fergies mid field, Lennon, Hargraves, Gerrard and Downing. Up front Johnson, Rooney and Defoe.
At the back, Carragher, Terry and Rio.3-4-3 against a team like Israel. The worst that's going to happen is that Robinson has to make a couple of saves. Get the Sven clone out now before it's too late.England are sooo boring they are at the John Wayne re-runs level. Yes you are bored out of your mind but you sort of want to hang around to see the ending. How could anybody possibly WANT to watch the Andorra game and claim that they do actualy have a life.5-0 fine. Lampard and Gerrard in the same mid field. Next.

Balders, Halifax (27/03/2007 at 11:53)

Colin, one thing about all SaF's sides ....he's always, always played 4 at the back, ALWAYS ! In fact, i don't recall ever seeing a united team ever play less than four across the back either. So you need to re think your midfield and attack !!

COLIN, CANADA, Canada (27/03/2007 at 22:52)

Balders, I was just talking about Fergie's mid field the rest was me talking about how I would have attacked Israel's defensive set up. My point was that Fergie would have the guts to drop Lampard (or Gerrard) and go with conventional wingers. Also I'd have played Wes Brown before Richards or Neville.(I assume he was in the squad) and Baines is an outstanding talent for left back. Not sure that you are right about Fergie never going with three at the back when he was chasing a win and the opposition had all bums behind the ball. Which was basically the England situation in Israel. Regardless the chances of McLaren coming up with anything creative are nil so I'm just ranting. Cheers.

Loyal to the End (31 years, City Fans, 31 years), Nottingham, ex-Malaysia (28/03/2007 at 05:06)

Everyday I thank god this grinning cheshire cat is not managing our beloved club..

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