Rooney can make immediate impact on return to England side
Published:England head into their final Euro 2012 group game needing a point to progress, and the return of Wayne Rooney will aid them in achieving this, with the striker 5/1 to open the scoring against Ukraine.
The Three Lions will be heartened by the character they displayed in their last outing, after a second half comeback saw them triumph 3-2 over Sweden.
That match saw a demonstration of quick, vibrant counter-attacking football from England, and Rooney looks good to notch as he returns to a side in buoyant mood.
He is expected to rekindle a partnership with Danny Welbeck, whom he has frequently partnered for Manchester United at club level, with their understanding as a pair showing signs of promise at Old Trafford.
Welbeck has performed admirably in his two tournament appearances to date, and his inclusion would only aid Rooney’s chances of breaching the Ukrainian backline.
So too would the selection of Theo Walcott, whose blistering display from the bench against Sweden earned much acclaim, after a goal and assist followed his 60th minute introduction.
With he and Ashley Young likely outlets on either flank, Rooney looks set to be afforded a free role just behind striker Welbeck, a position which allows him to dictate play.
It is worth noting that Rooney has scored four times in just three group game matches at European championships of the past, including the opener in one of those clashes.
He looks a good price at 6/4 to score at any time in the match, and with huge expectancy on the forward ahead of the game, he will see support at 2/1 to be named man-of-the-match.
Should he orchestrate the play in the manner we have grown accustomed to see him doing for United, Rooney could be worth a punt at that price, but looks a standout bet as a 5/1 chance to open the scoring on Tuesday.
