Wayne Rooney is likely to drop out of England’s friendly match against Spain on Wednesday, a withdrawal that would greatly dismay Steve McClaren as he attempts to get the international year off to a positive start. The availability of the Manchester United striker is essential, not only because Rooney has been in good form but also because the squad is so lacking in quality strikers.

Rooney was substituted after 65 minutes of United’s 4-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur yesterday after a challenge from Pascal Chimbonda. The defender appeared to catch him in the base of the back. The forward has been suffering with a back injury for several weeks. “He limped about for a bit and we’ll assess what he’s like in the morning,” Sir Alex Ferguson said.

If Rooney was to withdraw, that would leave McClaren with only Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Andrew Johnson as his forwards and the latter has just come back from a knee injury so may also withdraw. There is no player who is a direct replacement for Rooney, although Kieron Dyer has played as a second striker.

McClaren is keen to assess Dyer, perhaps on the left wing, while Jonathan Woodgate, the Middlesbrough defender, is also certain to play some part. There were no other injuries reported last night, although Jermaine Jenas did not play for Tottenham yesterday because of a minor ankle injury and is likely to pull out of the squad.

Joey Barton will have taken a deep breath before walking into the England team hotel in Manchester last night, although he has already made peace with Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney after recent criticisms. Whether Frank Lampard is equally forgiving will be seen today on the training ground.

Meanwhile, England fans are planning a mosaic of antiracism placards at Old Trafford on Wednesday after the players were racially abused when the countries last met at the Bernabéu. The Spanish football authorities may regard the demonstration as provocative, but the FA should not worry about that.