Wayne Rooney eager to play in next England match
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has no intention of ducking England's next friendly and is determined to get back to his best quickly.
Rooney struck in England's 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw in Poland on Wednesday but accepted he was below par after being substituted in the second half.
The 26-year-old has now returned to United to prepare for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash against Stoke, but already has his eye on next month's England friendly in Sweden.
Rooney said: "You want to play. I want to play all the games if possible and hopefully I can stay in good form for Man United and the manager will pick me."
The midweek friendly in Stockholm on November 14 is slotted between Premier League fixtures but Rooney is not concerned about any disruption.
He said: "We have done it for so many years, playing Saturday-Wednesday, Saturday-Tuesday at club level. A game for your country is not something you don't want to do."
On the domestic front, second-placed United will be looking to build on their victory over Newcastle last time out as Stoke visit Old Trafford.
The Potters have proved tough to beat this term having lost just once in the league and United expect them to bring all their usual tenacity.
Winger Nani said on ManUtd.com: "It is always hard to play against Stoke because they play a different kind of football to most teams in the Premier League. They are very physical and have very strong players.
"It is also difficult because most of the game is in the air. We need to be strong and try to play our game.
"We are playing at home and we have to believe we can win the three points. It is very important because when you play at home, you have a good chance to win these games."
PA
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