Euro 2012: Wayne Rooney helps England play between the lines For defenders or midfielders previously struggling for a pass, then, Rooney can make the difference with the angles he makes. He doesn't always have to be in loads of space either. You know he can receive the ball under pressure. You know his technique won't let him down. Whether it's a one-touch lay-off or something more intricate, Rooney's involvement can make the side more patient in possession, simply because he offers the extra pass. Ashley Young was handed this role in the opening game against France but, in fairness to him, the job isn't easy if you don't play there regularly. Knowing where to roam and how to position your body when receiving the ball only comes with experience. Rooney has that know-how, not to mention a natural gift for finding space. As the ball comes his way, he's always on the half-turn, ready to ease forward in one smooth movement. Rarely will he get caught square on with his back to goal to give opponents a better chance of nicking the ball away. Once facing goal, what's more, Rooney sees the pass early. Welbeck knows this from experience so can make a run off the back of his defender. Sometimes it will come off, other times it won't. Ukraine's defenders, after all, will have been well briefed on a lad starting to forge a reputation at this level. That happened, of course, long ago for Rooney. And if he can gradually ease himself into this match, that reputation could grow further still.