WAYNE GETS 9 SHIRT

Thursday 3 June 2004, 09:19

Wayne Rooney has been given the coveted England number 9 shirt for the forthcoming European Championship finals in Portugal.

Sven Goran Eriksson confirmed the official squad numbers on Wednesday afternoon and the Everton striker will wear the shirt that has been donned with such distinction by the likes of Dixie Dean, Bobby Charlton and Alan Shearer down the years.

It is the clearest indication yet that the teenager will be a starter for England when they take on tournament favourites France in their Group B opener in Lisbon on June 13.

However, Mr Eriksson has warned Rooney that he has got to keep his temper in check during the Euro 2004 finals.

The Everton striker was involved in an incident with Japanese goalscorer Shinji Ono at the City of Manchester Stadium during England's 1-1 draw on Tuesday night and he was perhaps fortunate that it went unnoticed by the match officials.

However, the England Head Coach is warning that the referees in Portugal may not be so lenient.

"I understand something happened when Wayne swung at the player," he said. "If Wayne had done that in a competitive international he would have had at least a yellow card.

"I will watch it on video and if it is like I am hearing then I will talk to him about keeping calm."