FA avoid clash with Everton over Rooney

The English FA have backed away from a row with Everton by leaving Wayne Rooney out of their World Under-20 Championship side…

The English FA have backed away from a row with Everton by leaving Wayne Rooney out of their World Under-20 Championship side.

Everton boss David Moyes had put himself on a collision course with the FA by insisting the 17-year-old would not travel with England's squad to the United Arab Emirates in March.

Moyes was angry at the prospect of Rooney missing five Premiership games, including the Goodison Park derby against Liverpool and the visit to Arsenal.

Football's governing body FIFA then threatened Rooney with a Premiership suspension if Everton refused to release the youngster.

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But Everton spokesman Ian Ross told the BBCtoday the FA had told Moyes they had no intention of including Rooney for the tournament in March.

"We had always had assurances from the FA that they would look sympathetically at any case involving us, and presumably any other youngster who is in a Premiership first team," Ross added.

"We are very pleased with the outcome. We haven't fallen out with the FA and I'm sure our fans will be delighted Wayne is available for our games in March".

PA