Wayne Rooney’s two-match absence could be costly for England, according to Nani.
Nani claims the absence of Wayne Rooney for the opening two Euro 2012 group matches will make it difficult for England to progress to the quarter-finals.
The 25-year-old Portugal international is hoping that Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions will progress into the knockout stages of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, but feels the suspension of his Manchester United team-mate, Rooney, for the games against Group D rivals France and Sweden could prove too costly.
England are 5/4 to go out at the group stages, while they can be backed at 9/1 to lose in the final and 14/1 to win Euro 2012.
Rooney is a key man and two matches without my United companion could be too much for England.
Nani
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On the absence of Rooney, who will return for England’s final group match against tournament co-hosts Ukraine, Nani told The Sun: “Rooney is a key man and two matches without my United companion could be too much for England.
“Roo is angry about his absence because he knows he’s the man to score goals and he won’t be there working for the team.
“I sincerely want England to reach the quarter-finals but it’s not going to be easy.”
Nani also feels Rio Ferdinand’s absence and the loss of injured trio Frank Lampard, Gary Cahill and Gareth Barry will also make things difficult for the Three Lions.
He added: “For an England team without Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry is vulnerable because they are suffering in all departments of the team.
“These players are so important for the team and their replacements are not at the same level.
“These absences place many doubts about the English for the Euros. England need to make their biggest effort because injuries are destroying the team.”
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