'arrogant' rooney in for a new buffeting

Rooney is set to renew hostilities with defender Oscar Sonejee, who fought a running battle with him in March last year. Rooney was booked following a clash with Sonejee and then had to be

substituted by former coach Steve McClaren to avoid being sent off during England’s uninspiring 3-0 Euro 2008 qualifying win. Rooney was yesterday given an early indication of just what he

can expect when part-time insurance broker Sonejee went public on their previous run-in. He said: “We were talking and he said, ‘I’m a star player’ and insulted me – and then I insulted him

back. “In his mind, he was thinking, ‘Who are Andorra? They have small players and are not professional’. Rooney was arrogant, very aggressive. When he plays Croatia, he’s probably not so

arrogant.” Andorra coach David Rodrigo believes England are in a no-win situation. “We have played twice against England recently and made it difficult for them – and I believe we have

improved our level since then,” said Rodrigo. “A big team like England are criticised even if they beat us. They were criticised last time by everyone – and they won. That will probably make

them nervous and we have to build on that.” England will train this morning before flying to Barcelona and will assess Rio Ferdinand, who was absent for the second successive day yesterday

with a bad back. Joe Cole missed training after suffering a kick on his calf, but should be fit. Croatia have also dished out a warning to England. Portsmouth’s Niko Kranjcar, who will miss

the clash because of his ruptured ankle ligament, said: “We have nothing to fear. England do not have any self-confidence because we beat them twice in the European Championship. We can use

that to our advantage.”