Rooney delighted to be back
13:59, 17 Jun 2012
Wayne Rooney has spoken of his delight and excitement at being available for England duty again and is hoping to get the chance to "shine" as Roy Hodgson's men look to secure a Euro 2012 quarter-final berth against Ukraine this Tuesday.
Rooney sat out England's opening two matches in Group D through suspension but is now clear to play and head coach Hodgson is set to draft the Manchester United striker straight back into the side for the vital game with Ukraine.
A draw in that match at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk would guarantee England a spot in the last eight after picking up four points from their opening two games against France and Sweden.
Rooney said today in a press conference televised by Sky Sports News: "Obviously I'm delighted to be back part of the team and the squad and to be involved again.
"The lads have done great to put us in the position we are in now and hopefully I'll get a chance to play and try and shine and help us get through the group."
Rooney also insists he is fit and ready to go despite not having had much competitive action recently, adding: "Since I've joined up with the squad I've took part in every training session. I'm feeling good, I'm just feeling ready and excited to get out onto the pitch."
The return of Rooney is a major boost to England, with the 26-year-old comfortably the squad's leading scorer at international level with 28 goals in 74 appearances.
However, England have not done too badly without their star striker, with four goals from their opening two games leaving them among the highest scorers in the tournament so far.
Defender Joleon Lescott netted in England's 1-1 draw with France and then forward trio Andy Carroll, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck were all on the scoresheet in Friday's 3-2 win over Sweden.
"It's great for the team that we've got forwards scoring goals and the forwards have done well in the games," said Rooney.
"It's great for me as well, it's great competition. You know you need to be at your best to get into the team and stay in the team, so I think it's great for the whole team."
The team's good start to the tournament means there is likely to be less pressure on Rooney ahead of his return, although the United hitman was quick to point out England are no one man team.
He added: "I don't put that pressure on myself, there's 23 players in the squad and there is pressure on us all.
"It's great that we've scored a few goals and we've got the points that we've got. I'm not gonna win the Euros on my own, there are 23 players who are going to chip in and help us win the tournament or go as far as we can."
A draw on Tuesday would be enough to send England through to the next phase, but Rooney insists they will go out aiming for the victory.
He said: "The same as the first two games, we'll go into the game wanting to win and wanting the three points.
"If we have to take a point then we'll happily do that, but we're going into the game trying to get the three points."