Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes that England manager Roy Hodgson will have to take into account that Wayne Rooney may not be "sharp" enough at Euro 2012 due to his two-match suspension.
The Red Devils striker is expected to start for the Three Lions against Ukraine but will miss the national side's two group matches against France and Sweden.
While Keane appreciates that the 26-year-old has enough quality to produce at the tournament, the former Ipswich Town boss believes that boredom could play a factor in Rooney's performance.
"I think the big problem Wayne will have is the boredom, mentally trying to build up for a game," said Kean. "As you get older you might be married and have kids, and appreciate peace and quiet, but Wayne is still young, he's pretty active mentally — Roy Hodgson will have to manage that.
"Get the balance right with what he does on the training pitch, he has to keep sharp but without overdoing it or getting irritated he's not playing in the first two games.
"Sometimes players come back fresh, but it is not as if Wayne can feel his way into the tournament, he'll have to produce it straight away. As good a player as he is, that is difficult."
Meanwhile, midfielder Scott Parker is likely to be fit for the competition after coming through England's first training session yesterday.
Danielle Joynson
