Wayne Rooney: Why Star Striker Will Shine in Return to Lineup

Wayne Rooney can only help England. 

The Three Lions certainly weren't positive that they would be in a clear position to advance after playing two opening matches without their star-striker. The might believe bringing him off the bench is the smart idea for chemistry purposes, but Roy Hodgson put end to that debate (via BBC Sport).

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Roy Hodgson: "But I’ve made it clear Wayne Rooney will start the game.”

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 18, 2012"

With the way Andy Carroll and Danny Welbeck have played the last two matches, you can see how this would be a tough decision. Nonetheless, Rooney will prove that bringing him back to the starting XI is the smart choice.

Let's take a look at why he'll have success against Ukraine.

International Experience

Wayne Rooney in the England kit has been a bit of a roller-coaster.

He turned himself into a star during Euro 2004 when he scored four goals as a mere 18-year-old. Of course, there's also the zero goals and zero assists he has to show for his seven career World Cup matches. 

Nonetheless, it's hard to argue with 28 goals in 74 career matches.

With the exception of Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Ashley Cole, Rooney is England's most experienced player (which makes him easily the most experienced striker), and having him out there in what is essentially an elimination match for England (draw, they are in, lose, they are likely out) would be smart. 

Surrounding Weapons

When Rooney has struggled with England, it has usually been because he has found himself on an island with little help. 

While this England squad had some questions coming into Euro 2012, they actually look fairly dangerous in the attack and will be able to give Rooney help.

Hodgson will likely insert Rooney right behind Welbeck, who is clearly in form. The 21-year-old scored against Belgium just before this tournament, and then looked dangerous against Sweden before scoring one of the sweetest back heels you'll see. 

Throw in youngsters Theo Walcott (goal and assist against Sweden) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who have looked more than lively going forward, along with Gerrard, and Rooney should see plenty of opportunities in space.

He knows how to take advantage. 

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