English Toffees

Here are some blues flying the EVERTON flag at the England V Iceland match. They are Mark, Luke, Eddie & Marina. (12/06/04)

100%

With just three days to go before the big game the number 1 striker in the world at the moment, Thierry Henry , has heaped plenty of praise on the striker who is going to be number 1 soon, our Wayne.

Henry says:"I like the way he plays. One thing I do respect about the English game is that they play with their heart win, lose or draw.

"Sometimes he does some strange things but at least he plays with his heart. He loves where he plays at Everton. I don't know whether he's going to stay long there but he doesn't care who he's playing against. He just does what he does best, taking on opponents and running past them.

"There is no talking too much on the pitch and he puts 100% into the challenges. Sometimes he screams and I love that because he shows emotions."(10/06/04)

Geoff Hurst

Everton's Representatives

Everton boss Davey Moyes, has run the rule over his three charges who are playing in this Summers tournament. The Duke, Grav and Toby will be carrying the blue flag in Portugal this Summer, and we wish them all well, but we only want one of them to be lifting the trophy in early July. C'mon The Duke.

Moyesy on The Duke says: “I am sure he can cope with the pressure. But he is a young player and I don’t think too much should be expected of him. This will be the first of many big experiences for him and I hope he plays a part. But if he doesn’t, I hope he gets the feel for it and understands what it’s like to be involved in a big tournament. We hope that he gains experience from the games that he plays. But I am sure he will gain experience from being in the squad - and the players in the squad. I am sure they will help him a lot." (06/06/04)

Moyesy on The Grav: "Tommy is becoming one of the most solid midfield players in Europe at the moment. I’ve watched him in recent games for Denmark against top countries such as Spain and England - and he did as well as any players that they had in their teams. He is a big player for them - but he also has to play a big part. It’ll be hard for Denmark, but I am sure that he will equip himself well." (06/06/04)

Moyesy on Toby: "Toby certainly does a job for Sweden. He plays in front of their back four most of the time and breaks play up. I think Tobias needs to play well to stay in and around the side, but he’s not far away from it just now and hopefully, he’ll play in the games over there. Again, it will be tough for Sweden, like Denmark, and of course they’ll have to play each other. It’ll be interesting to watch that game!" (06/06/04)

Raring To Go

After The Dukes virtuoso first half yesterday, as ever the youngster is taking everything in his stride. He realises though, that from next week the action get serious, as he enters his first International Tournament.

Rooney also praised his team mates efforts, but sexy Sven is still a little concerned with the youngsters fitness.

The Duke says: "I thought we showed the ability and desire today to do well in Portugal this summer. To get two goals a week before the Euro 2004 finals is a great feeling. It was a first-class team effort in a great atmosphere and I was set up perfectly for both my goals.'' (06/06/04)

Sexy Sven says: "Wayne's fitness level needs to come up a little bit more and I hope that in one week he will be a little bit better. If he is a little bit better that means he will be a little bit sharper in one-on-one situations. Wayne had a break so I think it is normal. He didn't disappoint me at all and his two goals were very good to see.'' (06/06/04)

Awesome

The Duke silenced his critics, like he only knows how, with a brace of goals against Iceland today. Rooney started like a house on fire, no doubt trying to prove a point to critics, who in fairness could not lace his boots.

England strolled to a 6-1 victory against the Icelanders, but it was Rooney's first half performance, that set the City of Manchester Stadium alight. After a few close efforts, The Duke dispatched his first goal, after some great work by Gary Chuckle. A neat side foot finish from eight yards out, gave England a two goal cushion, after Frank Lampard had opened the scoring.

The best as they say was yet to come, and after some lovely close control in the centre of the park, the Stadium were all shouting Rooney's name. He lit up the field with a display of controlled aggression, and in the 38th minute let rip a shot from 30 odd yards that nestled in the roof of the net.

His arrogance, at allowing himself a wry smile after the goal, was a joy to see, and I cannot wait for next weeks tournament to start in earnest. At half time, Sven had seen enough, and replaced his virtual starting line up, but the applause for The Duke was ringing loud in his ears.

Remember the name, Wayne Rooney. (05/06/04)

No Pressure

Wayne wouldn't swap his life with anyone at the moment. If feels no pressure and he won't change his game, if there is a tackle to be made he will make it.

Wayne says: "I do not feel personally under pressure. It is not pressure if you are going out and playing for your country. There are a lot of worse things you could be doing.

Wayne on The Telly

Don't Change

England skipper David Beckham has urged The Duke not to curb his temper ahead of England's challenge to win Euro 2004. Sexy Becks believes it is in his nature to be aggressive, and that is what makes him the player he is today. Becks who had his own troubles at the start of his International career, reckons The Duke will be a hit at this Summers Tournament.

Rooney though was unavailable for comment as he was working out on a punch bag, then he had his ju jitsu lesson.

Sexy Becks says: "You have to remember that Wayne is 18-years-old and every now and again you will see aggression and passion and that's what people like about Wayne. He's not just a talent, he's very passionate. Obviously it needs to be controlled and I'm lucky enough that I've done that now, but there's no problem with Wayne as far as I'm concerned." (04/06/04)

Lineker Loves The Duke

BBC pundit, Gary Lineker, the man who has forgotten he ever scored 30 league goals for Everton in 1986, can remember the first time he saw The Duke's in the flesh.

Gary says: “I couldn’t believe how good he was and it took my breath away. The match was an important European Championship qualifier against Turkey at the Stadium of Light and this 17-year-old kid was the best player on the pitch.

The things he did were astonishing, his poise, his awareness and his skill. It’s still hard to believe that he has come straight into the England team and often been the best player out there.” (31/05/04)

Tommy's Back

Tommy Grav is back to full training and even though he will miss Denmark's first game against Italy, he is considered to be critical to this campaign as far as the Danish coach is concerned.

Lars Berendt, the Danish Press Officer says: "Since joining the squad, Thomas has been in full training. so we're expecting him to be fully fit, not only for Euro 2004, but also for the two friendlies we have before the tournament."

"Thomas is an extremely important player for us. He is one of only three players who played in the full eight qualifiers and I am sure he will play a big part in Denmark's campaign in Euro 2004" (29/05/04)

Win

Toby played the full 90 in a 3-1 victory over Finland. Anders Andersson and Marcus Allback with a brace were the goalscorers. Finland's goal was scored by ex shite Jari Litmanen.(29/05/04)

Toby Starts Tonight

Toby wins his 35th Cap for Sweden tonight when he faces Finland in a warm up game for the Euro 2004 Championship. With a few of the star names being rested, it's a chance for Toby to cement his place in the side. (28/05/04)

The Duke Wants To Be As Good As Gazza - On The Field

The Duke loves the thought of being compared with one of his hero's, Gazza. But wants to show people he's The Duke, Wayne Rooney.

Our Wayne says: “I thought Gazza was fantastic and one of the best players England ever had. It is a great feeling when people say to me that I’m like him. Yes I’m Wayne Rooney and only want to be known as Wayne Rooney but Gascoigne was brilliant and I am nowhere near the standard he was. For all the hype, I know as a footballer I have achieved nothing yet."

“I know I’m young, know that this is my first tournament yet all I want to do is play and give my best. I try not to think about anything else. I want to be the best and play in the best England team. That’s all I want to do: play, improve and learn." (27/05/04)