Wayne Rooney has been included in the England squad for their vital FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Montenegro.
The Manchester United striker sat out
his club’s 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw at Shakhtar Donetsk on
Wednesday with a swollen shin, and missed England’s last two fixtures
against Moldova and Ukraine in September with a head injury.
Rooney’s return is a welcome boost for
manager Roy Hodgson, whose side lead Group H by one point from
Montenegro and Ukraine and know that only a maximum haul from their last
two fixtures will guarantee their participation at Brazil 2014.
The 27-year-old has started the season
in impressive form for David Moyes’ side, notching three goals in five
Premier League appearances thus far.
Having been struck by an injury crisis
to his forward line in the Moldova and Ukraine fixtures, Hodgson has
also been given a further lift with both Daniel Sturridge and Danny
Welbeck returning.
Liverpool striker Sturridge missed the
last two qualifiers with a thigh injury, but a return of seven goals in
eight appearances across all competitions for his club this season
should put the former Chelsea man in line for a starting spot this time
around.
Welbeck scored twice in England’s 4-0
demolition of Moldova, but a yellow card picked up in that match meant
he was suspended for the 0-0 draw in Ukraine.
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