Get ready for England v Ukraine – the Wayne Rooney way

Rooney revealed his playlist on Twitter

As footballers descend from the team coach on arrival at the stadium for a big match, more often than not they will be seen wearing silly, oversized headphones.

Before today, one could only speculate as to what they were listening to. Presumably something along the lines of Eye Of The Tiger or Supersonic by Oasis - a song that gets the pulse racing and fired up for the big match ahead.

But a tweet earlier today by Wayne Rooney, in which he revealed his pre-match playlist, suggests a softer soundtrack to accompany the build-up to a big game.

The England striker, who returns from a two match suspension tonight against Ukraine, has some tracks in the style one would expect – Bon Jovi’s It’s My Life for example. But then things calm down, and take a turn for the dull.

Rather than Supersonic, Rooney will be listening to Oasis’ Champagne Supernova – the epic closer to the What’s The Story album. The number 10 has some Arctic Monkeys – but not one of their dance-floor fillers but instead the slow Riot Van. Wazza also has some Bruce Springsteen – but not a typical chugger by The Boss, but instead the Streets Of Philadelphia.

The most bizarre inclusion of all must be Eric Clapton’s Tears In Heaven. No doubt a classic, but try listening to a song written about the death of a four-year-old son and see if you’re in the mood for a kick-about in the park – let alone a crucial match against the co-hosts of Euro 2012.

The playlist is sure to draw much discussion – but if Rooney helps England to the result they need tonight, we could all be singing Cat Steven’s Father and Son long into the night.

Wayne Rooney’s pre-match playlist:

Deacon Blue – Real Gone Kid
Arctic Monkeys – Riot Van
Stereophonics – Maybe Tomorrow – Decade In The Sun Version
Bon Jovi – It’s My Life
Various Artists – Oasis Tribute – Champagne Supernova (Cover Version)
Cat Stevens – Father And Son
Damien Rice – Delicate
James Morrison – Up
Eric Clapton – Tears In Heaven
Bruce Springsteen – Streets Of Philadelphia
The Hummingbirds – Doesn’t Really Matter

Follow Simon Rice on Twitter @simonrice

Recent Posts on Football

• Newcastle don't need a football director - they need a new medical team after finishing bottom of the injury league
• Bayer Leverkusen are the real winners from Andre Schurrle's transfer to Chelsea
• End of the beginning: Confederations Cup an important World Cup yardstick for Brazil
• From Manchester United to Merlot: Sir Alex Ferguson could make a fortune investing in wine claims expert
• New day (slowly) rising - As Brasileirão gets underway, Brazilian football stumbles, rather than leaps into the future

• bazz leave blank

  I heard it was a wind up list and what he really listens to is Ben Coda.
  That should get him going !

• cjewelz

  Why would anyone be interested in The Roon’s playlist. I’m not interested in his private life, I just want to see him do what he’s supposed to do.

• Richard Carter

  I imagine the Roonster will warm up by searching out a few Ukrainans – and giving them a good kicking; that appears to be all he knows. How depressing that England have to rely on someone like that!

• http://twitter.com/NickRice12 Nick Rice

  Thought there might be more Stereophonics on there…