Scott Heavey/Getty Images Wayne Rooney's two-game Euro 2012 suspension wasn't a death knell for England, but it did severely damage their attacking third.
Today, the Three Lions will take the pitch once more without the Manchester United superstar, but he's free to return for the final Group D match against Ukraine early next week.
It remains to be seen if coach Roy Hodgson will reward Rooney with a spot in the starting XI. But it is highly likely that he'll be used at some point, in what could be the deciding factor between going home early or advancing to the knockout phase.
Rooney's absence has forced Hodgson to move into a complete defensive shell with a trio of youngsters—Rooney's United teammates Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young in the middle and Arsenal 18-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the wing—as the main attack forces.
Hodgson's plan is to stack up the defense and hope to produce goals on the counter attack.
Rooney watching England-France from the bench Scott Heavey/Getty Images
They'll still employ that method today against Sweden, and, even upon Rooney's return, they'll still use it. The biggest different with Rooney in the side is that Hodgson will be able to have a more balanced attack, with four players he can attack with up top rather than three.
Rooney would likely come in behind Welbeck, as he does for United. Young can then push to the outside right wing, likely replacing James Milner, and Ox will stay on the left.
This attack gives the Three Lions more firepower up top, and they can focus the other six players, led by Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker in the central midfield, as holding midfielders to aide the defense.
Will Rooney Have an Impact in His Return?
Absolutely, he'll score too
Yes, he'll open everything up
Yes, but he'll hurt England
No, his presence won't matter
No, he won't play
With Young and Ox on the wings, England would sacrifice a bit of defense. But they'd be a danger to opposing defenses from both sides, and the pace both players possess will force the left- and right-backs into fits, while Welbeck can run onto any ball.
And if a team is foolish enough to leave Rooney any space in behind, the mercurial goal-scorer will make them pay.
Rooney's availability simply gives Hodgson more options should he choose to be a bit more aggressive. It remains to be seen if he'll act on it, but England is certainly more dangerous with him in their side.
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