England v United States - USA rule out provoking England ace Wayne Rooney
United States coach Bob Bradley(credit:
Wikipedia)
United States coach Bob Bradley insists his players will not be instructed to wind up England striker Wayne Rooney on Saturday.
There had been much speculation that the US would try to provoke Rooney, who was booked for an abusive outburst at a match official during Monday’s warm-up win over Platinum Stars.
But Bradley maintains that will not be the case.
He told The Sun: “I get asked that question about Wayne Rooney all the time.
“But I have tremendous respect for Rooney and what he brings to England – his effort, his competitiveness and his movement.
“His influence on that team is great and he is such a strong character. So yes, we are very aware of him and understand that at this level we must compete.
“But wind him up, target him, foul him, provoke him? No, we don’t enter into any of that.”
Can Rooney keep his cool at the World Cup?
To be booked for dissent against the United States 10/1 (Paddy Power)
To be sent off against the United States 28/1 (Paddy Power)
To be sent off anytime in the tournament 6/1 (Paddy Power)
To be booked for dissent any time in the tournament 5/2 (SkyBet)
To receive a yellow card for foul and abusive language 6/4 (Boylesports)