Papers: Rooney ditched?
14/10/2011 09:00
Capello could ditch RooneyWayne Rooney's three-game ban for England is front-page news in some papers as the debate starts over whether to take the talismanic striker to the Euro 2012 finals, even though they are still a whopping 238 days away. The Daily Mirror report that Fabio Capello's first words on hearing the news were: "Oh my God" with Rooney left "shocked and disappointed". The Daily Mail take things a bit further and claim Capello could ditch Rooney for the tournament after only expecting a two-match suspension. Phil Neville described the length of the ban as a "joke" on Twitter and that's reported in the newspapers while the prospect of an FA appeal is also discussed - even if The Independent indicate it could lead to further punishment if it fails. Expect this one to run and run with Danny Welbeck obviously forwarded as a potential replacement in the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden, with Capello set to try out some new ideas.
You could almost be forgiven for forgetting the Barclays Premier League returns with a bang this weekend with United's trip to Liverpool kicking it off in spectacular fashion in the lunchtime game. Anfield owner John W.Henry has paid tribute to Sir Alex with The Telegraph relaying his comments: "We are still a long way behind them. They were well set up going into this year and then were able to insert great, young players. Mr. Ferguson is a genius."
The Daily Mail have delved into the schoolboy career of Phil Jones and carry quotes from some of the people involved in his upbringing. Former Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce says his nickname for the defender was 'John Terry' and he feels his long-term position will definitely be at centre-back.