McClaren gives backing to Rooney
England coach Steve McClaren has admitted that striker Wayne Rooney has been \"frustrated\" after failing to rediscover his goalscoring touch.
The 20-year-old was substituted during the 0-0 draw against Macedonia but McClaren suggested he is likely to be picked for Wednesday's game in Croatia.
The England coach said: \"You can't just give up. I've seen him work extra in training. He's frustrated.
\"Everyone knows what he can do. The next game may be where it happens.\"
Rooney has not scored in a competitive international since Euro 2004 and has suffered from injuries and suspensions in the last year, which have affected his game.
He has also not scored for his club Manchester United since August.
McClaren added: \"He is below his usual performances but he's a great player. Nobody is more frustrated than Wayne Rooney.
\"I'm not going to say who is going to play on Wednesday. He needs to work through it and he will start working through it on Monday.\"
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard, who is suspended for the Euro 2008 qualifier in Zagreb, believes Rooney will \"torment\" Wednesday's opponents.
\"There is pressure on Wayne because he is our best player, because he is the best player the country has got, but he will deal with it and I thought his performance against Macedonia was good,\" said the Liverpool midfielder.
\"There is no problem with him and I am sure it won't be long before there is another man-of-the-match performance from him and a wonder goal around the corner.
\"He has been the best player in training. He has been smiling. I am not worried about Wayne's form.\"
England will train at home before flying to Zagreb on Tuesday.
