Rooney focused on England test

Wayne Rooney
12 April 2012

Wayne Rooney insists it is time to focus on England rather than tease international team-mate Theo Walcott over Manchester United's 8-2 win against Arsenal.

Rooney scored a hat-trick in Sunday's rout at Old Trafford, while Walcott netted one of Arsenal's consolation goals.

"We're here to concentrate on England," Rooney said at an England press conference. "We want Theo at his best so don't really want him to remember that result."

As for his own form, Rooney said: "It's always great to be in good form and scoring goals. I'm looking forward to getting back playing for England, playing well, and helping us get the points we need."

Group G leaders England face two Euro 2012 qualifying matches in the week ahead, away to Bulgaria on Friday and at Wembley against Wales next Tuesday.

"I think it'll be a really tough game, Bulgaria away," Rooney said. "I'm sure it'll be a good atmosphere and a difficult game to come away with three points from.

"Wales are a good team but I'd like to think we've got enough to beat them at home. So hopefully we can come away from those two games with six points."

Rooney and United team-mate Ashley Young look to have clicked effectively at club level and they could start in tandem for England.

Young has begun to establish himself at international level, and his move from Aston Villa to United will see him play regular European football, allowing him to gain further experience.

Rooney said: "In the last few games for England he's done really well. He works really hard for the team. A lot of people don't realise how hard he works. If he gets the chance to start he'll take it with two hands."

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