England skipper Rooney doubtful for Estonia

England captain Wayne Rooney will miss Friday’s 2016 European Championship qualifying match at home to Estonia due to an ankle injury, the Football Association confirmed on Thursday.

The Arsenal forward could be thrust into the attack in the absence of record goalscorer Wayne Rooney, who has missed training in the build-up to the Euro 2016 qualifier.

England skipper Rooney is described as a major doubt after missing his second training session since the squad linked up at St George’s Park on Tuesday, while Liverpool striker Ings was also absent yesterday.

Theo Walcott is expected to lead the line-up for England, owing to his impressive performances in a similar position for the Gunners this season, which included an assured and determined showing during their win over arch rivals United.

Theo Walcott meanwhile, said last night that he feels a better, stronger player for his long spell on the sidelines, with the England forward ready to fill in for all-time top scorer Wayne Rooney.

England play Estonia at Wembley on Friday and visit Lithuania on Monday.

“Seeing him for the first time in the flesh, he’s a big lad”, said Walcott.

England have won all eight of their qualifiers thus far, scoring 26 goals and conceding just three, and have already qualified for the competition in France next summer. For Estonia, Aleksandr Dmitrijev will be making his return following his one-game suspension.

Rooney scored a late free-kick to give England a 1-0 win when the teams last met a year ago in Tallinn; a game overshadowed by the fall-out from Hodgson’s claim that Raheem Sterling had told him he was too exhausted to play.

“I think if you ask any player injuries are always going to be frustrating, but I think you need to take positives out of it”, he said.

“I have had to wait my time”, Walcott said.

Dele Alli, in particular, has slotted into the Tottenham midfield seamlessly and looks a bright hope for the future, with his former boss at MK Dons Karl Robinson tipping him for England greatness in the future, as per the Daily Mail.