Gerrard: England can cope without Rooney

The Liverpool forward admits Roy Hodgson's
men will miss the Manchester United forward
but insists confidence is high among the
players
Steven Gerrard insists England are capable of
securing a victory against Ukraine without
Wayne Rooney.
The Manchester United forward was forced to
pull out of Roy Hodgson's squad due to a head
injury which was caused in a collision with Phil
Jones during a training session.
Gerrard admits England would rather have
Rooney available, but the midfielder maintains
that three points can be achieved in Kiev.
"Obviously Wayne is a world class player - any
team would miss Wayne when he's not
available," Gerrard told reporters.
"But I think we've got more than enough in the
squad and the 11 to do the job out here and
as the manager says, confidence is high in the
group.
"We believe if we defend well tomorrow night
we've got a great chance of getting the result
we want."
England have travelled to Kiev with just two
available strikers after injuries ruled out
Rooney, Andy Carroll and Daniel Sturridge,
while Danny Welbeck is suspended after
receiving a yellow card against Moldova on
Friday.
Southampton striker Rickie Lambert is
expected to lead England's attack on Tuesday
night, with Jermain Defoe the only other
recognised forward in the squad.