Rooney wants centre stage

Mark Bradley

Rooney accepts he will have to take part in experimental line-ups in friendlies, and even coach Sven-Goran Eriksson admits he does not know the teenager's best position.

But the Manchester United forward would prefer not to be pushed out to the left flank, as he was against Holland.

Asked if he would choose to play more centrally, he said: "I would. Obviously I'm just proud to play for England and I'll play wherever I'm picked.

"I did well in Euro 2004 in that position, but it's good to try different things in friendlies in case we need it in a tournament."

In reply to queries whether he had enjoyed his new role at Villa Park in Wednesday's goalless draw against the Dutch, Rooney eplied "it was okay".

He added: "I've played there most of the season for Manchester United, so it was nothing new for me.

"I've scored 12 goals from that position for United this season, and that's more than I've scored in any of my other seasons."

Former England captain Terry Butcher insists the tactic of using Rooney on the left rather than in behind Michael Owen and Jermain Defoe, as against Wales did not work.

"Rooney, our best attacker and best forward threat, was out on the wings. It was imbalanced," he said.

"He looked ill at ease. He's England's principal striker and should not be playing wide. You have to utilise your strengths.

"England are better suited to a 4-3-1-2, with Rooney playing behind two strikers. You've got to let him have his head and have a bit of a free role."

However, Eriksson said: "I'm very happy. We tried something new, which suits a lot of the players, and I think it worked."

Eriksson was giving little away. When asked if he preferred using Owen and Rooney up front together he responded: "Sometimes yes, sometimes no."

While disagreeing that Rooney's natural talent was wasted out on the left flank, he admitted the teenager was dragged too often into the left-back position.

"It wasn't my orders, but he did what he thought was right. He's strong, so he can still be dangerous going forward as well."

It remains to be seen just what tactics Eriksson plans to employ in England's qualifiers next month against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan.

He may at least listen to his players, who expressed their desire to return to a flat midfield quartet at the Euro 2004 finals rather than a diamond formation.

Eriksson said: "If I have some doubts about things I take the senior players to my room to discuss things with them. I've been doing that for the past four years."

However, Nicky Butt's return could be key a scenario which could prompt a return to a 4-4-2 line-up and result in Frank Lampard being moved out to the left flank.

Eriksson could also restore Defoe to the team and play Rooney behind him and Owen. Wayne Bridge is another option.

"It depends what kind of players you have, who is injured or out of form and who we are playing against," offered Eriksson.

"Every time we use it (4-3-3), it can be better and better. We have the players to make it work."

Chelsea manage that but have wingers of the calibre of Arjen Robben and Damien Duff; England do not.

Owen was isolated, while Shaun Wright-Phillips appeared overcome by the occasion on his first international start.

Rooney had sympathy for the winger. "It is difficult to come into a squad of players when you are not really in the team but you can see the quality he has got. He's a great player, and the future looks bright," he said.

It may still be bright for England but not, it seems, with Rooney exiled out on the left flank.

Rooney is a world-class talent. Surely it would be better to mould England's team around him, rather than him around the team.