ON TOUR
Mexican referee Marco 'Cheeky Dracula' Rodriguez, may unwittingly have played a huge part in Wayne Rooney's return to action for England - possibly as soon as Thursday's game against Trinidad & Tobago in Nuremberg. By handing Peter Crouch a yellow card in the second half against Paraguay - by then he was the lone striker with Michael Owen substituted in the 55th minute by midfielder Stewart Downing - Rodriguez has piled more pressure on England's meagre strike force.
With his hair slicked back by gel, Rodriguez, nicknamed 'Chiquidracula' for his no-nonsense refereeing style (booed by the English fans), handed Crouch a caution for remonstrating at a decision taken against him and England. This single act could be a defining moment in England's World Cup fortunes. With Crouch living in the shadow of suspension if he receives another yellow (he will only start with a clean slate when the knockout stages begin), and with Owen still not looking a 100 per cent, we could see Sven Goran Eriksson bring Rooney off the bench against T&T.
The best possible scenario for England would be for them to score a couple of goals early and have Eriksson bring Rooney on. The fans are clamouring for his presence, especially after the lacklustre display against Paraguay. Surprisingly, Rooney was officially available for selection against Paraguay. He warmed up with the team and received the biggest cheer when he smacked in a goal from 20 yards out with his right foot - yes the foot with the injured metatarsal.
Rooney also didn't have an 'I' for injured, against his name on England's team sheet. We don't know if this a clever move by Eriksson - to send out a subtle message to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson that Rooney is ready for his moment of destiny, and that Ferguson has no right to stop him from taking his chance. Every player knows injury is part and parcel of the game. They also know the World Cup is the biggest stage they'll ever perform on. And they know history will forever remember them for what they do at the tournament.
Pele's status as the world's greatest player was forged at the World Cup, where he won Brazil the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970. Maradona secured his reputation by scoring the 'Hand of God' goal and then followed it up with one of the best goals ever seen as Argentina knocked England out in the 1986 quarter-finals before going on to win the final.
