Rooney Singled Out By Manager After Israel Flop

Wayne Rooney was picked out by Steve McClaren for special criticism in the dressing room after England's goalless draw with Israel following his underwhelming performance for the national team.

The Manchester United striker has not scored in a competitive match for England since Euro 2004 and McClaren emphasised his disappointment with the 21-year-old's contribution to the stalemate at the Ramat Gan Stadium.

The incident will increase the spotlight that has fallen McClaren's relationship with his squad in light of a result that leaves their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 in the balance.

Reports variously suggested last night that Rooney responded to McClaren's criticism by shouting back at the manager and throwing his boots and kit at the wall in frustration, albeit without striking anyone.

However other observers are adamant that Rooney reacted in a far more low-key manner to the incident, keeping in check his temper and emotions. During the game he had been booked after an off-the-ball clash with the Bolton Wanderers defender, Tal Ben Haim.

Rooney was hardly alone in failing to produce his best against Israel but there seems no danger of him being left out of the team to face Andorra in a qualifier in Barcelona on Wednesday.

"It is too early to say what the team against Andorra is going to be," McClaren said, without particular reference to Rooney. "People are just reacting at the moment. I have to reflect and look in the players' eyes. I have to make sure they come back."

Rooney could expect to end his international goal drought against Andorra, who have conceded 19 times in four qualifiers. England's defender Phil Neville said of the Andorra match: "That is a must-win game and one we have to score a few goals in. They are going to get behind the ball again and we're going to have to be a lot better in the final third. We need to show a lot more invention and creativity."