Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand train with England squad
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has stepped closer to becoming involved in England's UEFA 2012 European Football Championship qualifying match against Montenegro after taking part in a training session on Friday, October 8.
Rio Ferdinand also trained, while Aaron Lennon and Gareth Barry both failed to take part in the session.
The 24-year-old has missed the English Premier League giants’ last two games after suffering an ankle knock in the 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers, but he could find himself starting Tuesday’s game against Montenegro.
Rooney’s United teammate, Ferdinand, has not featured for England since he suffered ligament damage to his knee during England's preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. But the 31-year-old has played the Red Devils’ last two matches, and the central defender
may resume his duties as England national team captain.
Tottenham Hotspur winger Lennon, who has been recalled to the squad after being left out of the qualifying wins over Bulgaria and Switzerland, did not train in Friday’s session after he was said to have suffered from a back problem, while Manchester City’s
defensive midfielder Barry was reported to have missed training due to personal reasons.
Meanwhile, if Rooney plays, he could find himself partnering Bolton forward Kevin Davies, who appears set to make his international debut.
The 33-year-old said that, “I'm confident in my own ability. I always felt I could do a job at this level. I trained today and I didn't feel overawed at all. There were a few nerves beforehand, but the lads have been welcoming. The age thing is not a concern
of mine, I feel as good as I have done since my time at Bolton began. Hopefully I can make an impression and play some part (on Tuesday).”
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