Rooney urged to show his true class

LONDON, England -- England manager Steve McClaren has challenged Wayne Rooney to show that he can achieve his potential as a world-class player.

The 21-year-old, whose progress has been hampered by injuries and suspensions, returns to the international stage for the first time in seven months in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier at home to Estonia.

The Manchester United striker is expected to partner Michael Owen up front as he bids to end a run of more than years without a competitive goal for his country.

"To see Wayne expressing disappointment in his performance is refreshing, and we should see more of that," McClaren said.

"From my personal point of view Wayne has the potential to be a world-class player. He still has a long way to go and a lot to learn.

"He is a very important player for England and has proved that over the years. He knows what potential he's got and he knows what he's got to do to realize it.

"I would say Wayne has been a little unfortunate with England that he has missed squads with injury and when he has come in he has just been getting back into form.

"He hasn't really had a consistent run with the England squad that you need. We haven't had him on a regular basis. You need consistency in performance. He hasn't had that and it's really hampered him."

Rooney had to watch from the sidelines as Emile Heskey returned from his own international exile to bring out the best in Owen as England put their qualification bid back on track with vital home wins against Israel and Russia.

McClaren's second-placed side need to beat Estonia ahead of Wednesday's trip to Moscow -- their penultimate Group E match before an away finale against leaders Croatia.

Sol Campbell will make his international return after two years on the outer when he replaces injured skipper John Terry in central defense alongside Rio Ferdinand.

Terry's knee problem may also rule him out of the Russia game, leaving McClaren short of options with Wes Brown also injured.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard said: "On paper we are big favorites to beat Estonia comfortably. It's important we don't take them lightly, and try to kill them nice and early, then we can put all our focus on the Russia game.

"With the two results last time it has put us in the driving seat to qualify. We want six points."

Gerrard is expected to again line up alongside Gareth Barry in central midfield despite the return of the fit-again Frank Lampard.

McClaren said: "It's a massive decision but a good one to be in to have two players who have performed well. Frank Lampard has performed consistently over the years, Gareth Barry has come in to the last two games and done well.

"The most important thing is about the team and not about individuals. You have to play as a team and I think we epitomized that over the last few games."

Gerrard added: "Gareth was fantastic in both games and I'm sure he'll feel hard done by if he was dropped. He was man of the match in those two games."

In Saturday's other Group E qualifier, Croatia -- who lead England by three points after nine of 12 games -- host fourth-placed Israel.

In Group F, leaders Sweden are away to Liechtenstein while second-placed Spain -- level on points but having played one more match -- are away to a Denmark side seeking to keep alive their slim hopes of qualification.

Group G leaders Romania host second-placed Holland, with both sides level on 20 points after eight matches.

In Group A, leaders Poland are at home to lowly Kazakhstan while Finland, Portugal and Serbia must keep up the pressure with matches against Belgium, Azerbaijan and Armenia respectively.

Group B leaders Scotland face a tough home clash with the Ukraine, with second-placed Italy and third-placed France expecting to register wins against Georgia and the Faroe Islands.

In Group C, Greece will seek to consolidate their lead with victory at home to fourth-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina, while third-placed Turkey travel to bottom nation Moldova.

Group D leaders Germany travel to the third-placed Republic of Ireland, who trail the Czech Republic by six points with three matches remaining.

The Czechs are not in action this weekend, but travel to Germany on Wednesday. E-mail to a friend

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