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Strikers have something to prove

Lyon's midfielder Tiago controls a ball during a training session with Portugal's national soccer team on Thursday at the National stadium in Oeiras, outside Lisbon. Portugal will play Azerbaijan in a Euro 2008 qualifier today. PHOTO: AP

Sharp-shooters Wayne Rooney, Nicolas Anelka and Craig Bellamy spearhead a legion of star names determined to salvage battered reputations in Euro 2008 qualifiers today.

Rooney returns to the England side to face Macedonia at Old Trafford having served out a suspension imposed for his World Cup quarter-final red card.

Meanwhile, Anelka, whose football odyssey has now taken him to humble Bolton, is in line for a shock recall to the French side for the trip to Scotland.

Bellamy will skipper Wales for the first time in Cardiff against Slovakia with the backing of coach John Toshack that the fiery attacker will put aside his bad-boy image and lead his country to an opening win.

Elsewhere, in today's 22-match bumper program, World Cup winners Italy have plenty to prove as they take on Ukraine looking to bounce back from their defeat to Group B rivals France last time out.

Spain are also under fire having lost 3-2 to Group F minnows Northern Ireland.

Rio Ferdinand believes Rooney will emerge from his slump as England look to build on their 100 percent record against Macedonia in Manchester.

But he is without a goal for club or country since the opening day of the season in August.

The 20-year-old has surprisingly failed to score in a competitive international match since hitting two in England's 4-2 win against Croatia in Lisbon during Euro 2004.

Anelka too has plenty to prove.

The 27-year-old could start against the Scots in Glasgow after injury sidelined Sydney Govou and Louis Saha.

Anelka last played in France's friendly loss to Slovakia in March and missed out on the squad which reached the World Cup final.

"He deserves it, he never gave up," Arsenal defender William Gallas said of Anelka. "He's adapted well to his club [Bolton] and is performing well."

Anelka has 31 caps and has scored seven goals for France.

Scotland top Group B on goal difference from France with both teams having won their opening two games.

Liverpool striker Bellamy finds himself in the spotlight as he prepares to skipper Wales for the first time.

The 27-year-old will be in court early next week, in between Wales's two qualifiers that includes a visit from Cyprus on Wednesday, on assault charges.

It is the latest incident in a controversial career that has seen him fall out with team-mates, managers and fans off the field while being dogged by red cards on it.

But Toshack is standing by his decision to hand Bellamy the armband in the absence of injured Ryan Giggs.

"I am not so sure that Craig's on-field record is too much of a problem," Toshack said. "It's not something I have considered or felt the need to think about with regard to making him captain. But his desire in the red jersey cannot be questioned."

World Cup winners Italy are second from bottom of Group B with just one point from two games but midfielder Andrea Pirlo insists the world champions will come through today's crucial test against Ukraine in Rome.

Pirlo was at the heart of the Italy team at the World Cup, and believes the team is looking like world-beaters once again despite a draw against lowly Lithuania and defeat to France.

"This is the real Italy, the Italy that won the World Cup, and we will show it on Saturday," Pirlo said.

Spain are also feeling the pressure after their 3-2 loss to Northern Ireland left them third from bottom in Group F.

They face group leaders Sweden in Stockholm with the home side boasting a perfect record from two matches.

Spain coach Luis Aragones has dropped veteran Real Madrid star Raul Gonzales placing his faith in David Villa and Fernando Torres.
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