Preview: Three Lions to head on top of Group H without injured Rooney?
Wayne Rooney’s “horror movie” head injury is making much noise among fans and journalists ahead of the match. The striker collided with Manchester United team mate Phil Jones in training last Saturday and could be out for three weeks, according to David Moyes.
After missing a couple of World Cup qualifiers already, the striker has been criticized for not being committed to the English national team. However, this terrifying head injury is at least a big reason enough to miss Friday’s encounter at home to Moldova.
“Some people seem to be questioning my commitment to the England squad and the fact I had to pull out of the 2 games,” the striker stated on his official Facebook page as he retorted to critics by posting a picture as an evidence to defend himself.
“There's nothing I would like more than to be helping the lads in the qualifiers. I'm sure people will see from these images the reason why I won't be able to play.”
Wayne Rooney’s absence will be seen as a blow for Roy Hodgson but as Arsenal’s Theo Walcott declared, it should be seen as “an opportunity for someone to come in and take their chance.”
This ‘someone’ could indeed be Daniel Sturridge. The Liverpool forward has been a true revelation for Liverpool in the absence of suspended attacking partner Luis Suarez. His goals have pushed the Merseyside Reds on top of the English Premier League table. Sturridge will be keen to take his club football form into the World Cup qualifiers.
However, a start for the Liverpool man cannot be guaranteed with Southampton’s Rickie Lambert and Danny Welbeck offering England’s coach multiple options upfront. The Three Lions, having played a game less than Group H leaders Montenegro, could open a one-point lead at the top with victory over Moldova.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch England vs Moldova live on Friday, September 6, 2013:
In Canada at 15:00 ET on: Sportsnet HD, Sportsnet Ontario / East / West / Pacific
In UK at 20:00 BST on: ITV 1, BBC Radio 5 Live (Radio)
In USA at 15:00 ET on: FOX Deportes, Fox Sports 1, Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Soccer 2Go
Of course, LiveSoccerTV will be your source throughout the match for live scores. Enjoy live updates from this World Cup qualifier on the website’s homepage or on the England-Moldova match page (where several countries from across the globe feature with live listings).
