Wayne Rooney: Why Euro 2012 Will Continue Star's International Struggles

English soccer star Wayne Rooney will continue his international struggles this summer at Euro 2012.

Rooney will already be behind the 8-ball when he steps into the lineup as soon as the squad's third and final Group Stage match against co-hosts Ukraine. Rooney is suspended for England's first two matches against France and Sweden.

If England lose their first two matches without Rooney, there is a real chance that the Manchester United forward will be of absolutely no help in the team's final Group match on June 19. England could potentially be eliminated from advancing to the Quarterfinals before Rooney even takes to the pitch.

Rooney has been used just once this year as a substitute and has no shots, goals or assists for the national team heading into England's Euro 2012 debut. 

He had just two goals on nine shots in six appearances with England during the 2011-12 campaign, which is still disappointing given the quality of striker Rooney has been in the English Premier League.

The 26-year-old scored 27 goals in 34 appearances with Manchester United during the EPL season, a scoring rate much more productive than that of his international one.

That has always been the knock on Wayne Rooney though, the fact that his brilliance has never truly translated to the international stage, where England has fell short of expectations time and time again during his time as a top scoring threat. 

Euro 2012 promises to serve as yet another nightmare for Rooney as well, considering that he will have to join in late and with very little chemistry formed between himself and his teammates.

A quick start would have benefited Rooney more than anything else, but he'll have to wait another week before he can contribute. In addition to his early absence from the final third, his inability to mesh up front with the English National Team will derail their Euro 2012 hopes and continue Rooney's struggles. 

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