England's striker Rooney broken foot adds to England injury crisis

Wayne Rooney's broken foot has left England coach Steve McClaren with a mounting injury crisis ahead of next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Photo: England's striker Rooney broken foot adds to England injury crisis

England's striker Rooney broken foot adds to England injury crisis

Rooney was hurt in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Reading in the first game of Manchester United's Premier League defense. He was diagnosed with a hairline fracture.

The 21-year-old striker is definitely out of the Sept. 8 visit of Israel and home game against Russia four days later, as well as next week's friendly against Germany at Wembley.

Rooney could also miss a home match with Estonia on Oct. 13 and the away game at Russia on Oct. 17, leaving England without its star striker for four games crucial to its hopes of reaching Euro 2008.

England is fourth in its seven-team qualifying group after seven of 12 matches, but must finish in the top two to reach next year's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

While Manchester United can call upon Argentina international Carlos Tevez to replace Rooney, England coach Steve McClaren has to choose from some less glamorous options to fill the hole in the national side.