England striker Rooney out of Belarus clash

LONDON - Wayne Rooney has withdrawn from England’s squad to face Belarus in Wednesday’s final World Cup qualifier, it emerged Monday.

The Manchester United forward sustained a calf strain during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat away to Ukraine, and after being assessed at England’s training base in Hertfordshire has returned to his club.

Midfielder Steven Gerrard, who was forced off at half-time Saturday, has been given the all clear and is expected to play a part Wednesday at Wembley, possibly in Rooney’s central attacking role behind Emile Heskey.

United goalkeeper Ben Foster, meanwhile, will join up with the squad as cover for Rob Green, who is suspended after becoming the first England goalkeeper sent off in an international on Saturday.

David James, who enjoyed a fine game after coming off the bench Saturday, is expected to retain his place, and be given a further opportunity to stake his claim to be number one in South Africa next summer.

Saturday’s defeat ended England’s 100 per cent record in the qualifiers and, while it was irrelevant in the sense that they had already qualified, may temper some of the optimism that had been building behind the squad.

“Will this result calm people down?” asked captain John Terry.

“Maybe a little bit.

“But we were never letting ourselves get complacent or thinking that we were world beaters.

“We realise we have still got a lot of improving to do. We can use these games as a base for that and that’s not changed in the group of players.

“The fans are excited and it is a good thing we have qualified - but we have got to use these games such as the one in the Ukraine as learning curves.

“Okay, the result was disappointing but maybe we have gained a lot from the Ukraine game that will stand us in good stead for the future.”

Heskey, who has been a regular starter for England under Fabio Capello, but has struggled for first-team action at Aston Villa this season, has suggested he may look for a move in January to try secure his place in the World Cup.

“I will have to sit down and think about my next move. I don’t know whether I can get a World Cup place if I’m not playing for Villa,” he said.

“The manager (Capello) hasn’t really spoken to me about it. I just have to keep performing well in training and keep going,” he said.

Wednesday’s match is for pride only as England are qualified for the 2010 finals in South Africa as Group 6 winners and Belarus out of contention for a playoff berth in fourth place.