Strikers Queue Up To Partner Owen

Last updated : 14 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Rooney will be absent when England face Israel and Russia next month in crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers - and some of those strikers hoping to replace him in Steve McClaren's thoughts have wasted no time in staking their claims.

With just one match - a friendly against Germany on August 22 - before meeting Israel on September 8, the England coach has little chance to experiment.

Dean Ashton: "One of my targets is to get back to get back where I was in the England squad and making a start for my country is a massive dream of mine, especially after the year I have had.

"I want to be the main striker for England. That's my goal. The plan is to play well for West Ham, score goals and put it into Steve McClaren's mind that I'm there and hopefully playing well enough to give him a hard decision.

"There's no big striker (in the England set-up) who can hold the ball up, run in behind and link up play. That's where I'd like to think I could do a job for England."

David Nugent: "I've been in the England squad before and I want to be there again.

"If I can score a few, I'm sure I'll get another chance. Manchester United is not a bad game to make your home debut in. If selected I'm looking forward to testing myself against the best.

"It will be a great chance to catch the eye."

Everton manager David Moyes, on Andrew Johnson: "If Andy gets called up this week it might be a real chance for him.

"His game has improved a lot in the 12 months he has been with us. Andy works very hard for the team with his awareness and involvement in build-ups.

"But he has to assert himself more. If I'd scored as many Premier League goals as he has, I'd be walking around with my chest out."

There is sure to be fierce competition for places with Peter Crouch coming back into contention for the Russia match and Tottenham pair Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent still harbouring their own hopes of selection.