With a 2-0 lead over Macedonia, England were cruising towards Euro 2012 qualification. Needing just a point to win Group G, first half goals from Ashley Young and Darren Bent had put England in command. But Macedonia struck just before half-time to make the score 2-1. England were poor in the second half, sitting back seemingly content to defend their lead.
But things were made much more difficult for England in the 73rd minute of the game. After mis-controlling a pass, Wayne Rooney lost the ball to Miodrag Dzudovic. As Dzudovic held Rooney off and made a pass, Rooney swung his boot in frustration and kicked the Macedonian. Although there was little contact (and the obligatory over-reaction from Dzudovic), the referee showed Rooney a straight red card. Then, in injury time, substitute Andrija Delibasic equalised for Macedonia. The game finished 2-2, ultimately benefitting both teams, as England won the group, and Macedonia secured second place and a playoff match in November (helped by Wales beating Switzerland 2-0).
So while Rooney’s red card ultimately didn’t cost England anything, his lack of discipline has again shown itself to be the biggest flaw in his game. At times, a sense of anger or frustration on Rooney’s part can actually help his game (for example, moments before he scored a sensational 30 yard volley against Newcastle at Old Trafford in 2006, he was arguing with the referee), but if things aren’t happening for his team, or if he is being marked out of a game, his frustrations can boil over. He’ll bark at referees, commit petulant fouls, and often get himself into big trouble.
Friday’s red card was the 5th of his career, and his second while wearing an England shirt. The first was against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final match, when he stood on Ricardo Carvalho, in a game England would lose on penalties. Rooney will pick up a lot of bookings during a normal season, often for dissent, and has in the past been substituted in order to prevent a second yellow being shown.
It’s not uncommon for talented young players to make rash challenges and pick up needless red cards. Michael Owen was sent off in a game against Manchester United as a teenager at Liverpool for a wild lunge, and Steven Gerrard was often reckless when tackling at the beginning of his career. And of course, David Beckham became public enemy number one after he tripped Diego Simeone, receiving a red card, when England lost to Argentina at France ’98. But those players outgrew their petulance and avoided negative headlines and let their performances on the pitch do the talking.
Rooney’s red card will cause him to miss England’s opening match at next summer’s European Championships. UEFA could yet increase the ban to two matches, and in a competition with so much quality (England are by no means going to be the favourites for Euro 2012), missing such a key player could hurt England badly.
It would be wrong to try and remove the passion and the fire from Wayne Rooney’s game. He is undoubtedly England’s best player, and when he is on form, the national team and Manchester United reap the benefits. He’s started this season on fire, with 11 goals in 11 games for club and country. He was outstanding as United thrashed Arsenal 8-2, when he scored a hat-trick, and his hot form helped England ease to a 3-0 victory in Bulgaria.
But Rooney is almost 26, and is now a father. He needs to learn to control his temper, and to hide his frustration when things aren’t going his way. Instead of focusing on the referee or opposing players, he needs to demand the ball and take charge of a game. Use his world class ability to change the momentum of matches in favour of Man United or England.
Wayne Rooney should be making headlines for scoring goals and winning matches, not for letting his team down with cheap red cards. If he can learn to control himself, he can become an even better player, and lead his club, and maybe even his country, to glory.
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its Montenegro not Macedonia!!