England forward Wayne Rooney has posted a picture online of the head injury that has ruled him out of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, along with a message to those questioning his withdrawal from Roy Hodgson's squad.
The 27-year-old missed Manchester United's 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday after manager David Moyes had confirmed he has suffered a severe gash on his head following an accidental collision with team-mate Phil Jones in training.
Rooney posted a picture of his injury on his Facebook page yesterday evening with a comment defending his decision to withdraw from the crucial fixtures.
“Some people seem to be questioning my commitment to the England squad and the fact I had to pull out of the 2 games,” he wrote. “There’s nothing I would like more than to be helping the lads in the qualifiers. I’m sure people will see from these images the reason why I won’t be able to play.”
England go into the clashes with Moldova and Ukraine two points behind group-leaders Montenegro, but with a game in hand.
The injury means Rooney, who has scored 36 goals in 84 England appearances, will be missing for up to a month. The onus on goals in the qualifiers now falls on the likes of Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge.
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has set his sights on winning plenty of England caps after his first call-up to the senior squad.
The highly-rated 19-year-old has impressed in the Toffees’ first three matches of the season and his form has been recognised by Hodgson who selected him for tomorrows clash at home to Moldova.
“When the gaffer (Roberto Martinez) told me I was over the moon,” said the teenager. “It was the best feeling ever. To get called up . . . there is nothing better that can happen.”
Barkley added on evertontv: “I’m humble about it and hopefully I do get a cap - and then plenty more in the future . . . I’m hoping to push on and do better as the season goes on.”
