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England striker Wayne Rooney has hit back at claims from the Russian media that he is not the player he used to be. The 30-year-old, who is Englands all-time leading goalscorer, has played more of a midfield role this season for his club Manchester United.It was put to him by a Russian journalist in todays press conference that Saturdays opening Euro 2016 opponents no longer fear Rooney, but the England captain was defiant in his response. Everyone who watches football is entitled to opinions, said Rooney.I know the qualities I have and I dont need to sit here and defend myself.Im aware that my game has changed slightly over the years and in my opinion it has changed for the better, but the opinions that matter to me are those of my coaches. Sky Sports Euro 2016 predictor Make your predictions with our interactive wall chart here Rooney became Englands most prolific goalscorer in September when his strike against Switzerland took him to 50 goals for the Three Lions. Hodgson all jokes at training Roy Hodgson held up a mini teamsheet during training A knee injury in February put Rooney on the backfoot for the Euros, but the striker has returned to the England squad and has been assured of his starting place by manager Roy Hodgson.The England manager has offered his backing to his captain several times in recent months and Rooney is confident he and his team-mates can repay his faith. Rooney is set to start in a support role to either Jamie Vardy or Harry Kane We have to be resilient, said Rooney. We know how important the first game is. It cost us two years ago (a 2-1 defeat to Italy in World Cup 2014) and in the first game its important to get off to a good start.Weve talked about that as a group of players and we are ready for the game tomorrow night. Roy Hodgson says England are ready for their opening game of Euro 2016 You can feel the buzz around the place, everyone is excited for this game and its important we go in and take our performance levels into the game and get off to a good start.We have a very talented squad that are capable of big things but tournament football is different so I think its a big challenge for us as a squad and were hoping and we believe we can do well.England kick off their tournament on Saturday against Group B opponents Russia in Marseille.Catch up with all the latest Euro 2016 news with Euro Breakfast each morning on Sky Sports News HQ from 6am Also See: FA condemns fan violence England v Russia preview Roys mini teamsheet How far will England go? Genard Avery Jersey . Span, Danny Espinosa and Adam LaRoche had two hits apiece as Washington won the final two games of the series. The Nationals improved to 3-7 against Atlanta. They increased their division lead over the Braves to 1 1/2 games. 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Kendall Lamm Jersey .L. - Defending womens champion Alberta improved to 3-0 at the Canadian junior curling championships with a 10-3 win over Ontario in Sundays afternoon draw.PORTLAND, Ore. - Will Barton had a career-high 23 points and 10 rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers downed the Los Angeles Clippers 110-104 in the regular-season finale Wednesday night, with both teams resting key players in advance of the playoffs. Portland, which sat starting forward LaMarcus Aldridge, ends the regular season on a five-game winning streak. Seeded fifth in the Western Conference, Portland will face the Rockets in a first-round series starting Sunday in Houston. Jamal Crawford had 34 points for the Clippers, who didnt play Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. The team set the franchise record for most regular season wins (57) the night before with a victory over Denver. Going into the game the Clippers had a chance to secure the No. 2 seed in the West. But when Oklahoma City defeated Detroit earlier Wednesday, the Clippers sewed up the third seed and will face Golden State in the opening round starting Saturday. Paul, Griffin and J.J. Reddick did not make the trip to Portland. The team had already announced that Griffin would not play when the league suspended him for the game because he had accumulated 16 technical fouls. Griffin was handed the technical in Tuesday nights 117-105 win against the Nuggets. DeAndre Jordan started but he played less than two minutes before he headed to the bench. "I just value rest. And I value health. Period," Rivers said pre-game about resting his stars, even though the seeding haddnt been determined.dddddddddddd In addition to Aldridge, the Blazers sat reserve guard Mo Williams. But Portland saw the return of forward Joel Freeland, who hadnt played since Feb. 11 with a sprained MCL in his right knee. The Blazers need Freeland to back up centre Robin Lopez against the Rockets and Dwight Howard. Portland led by as many as 22 points in the first half. Bartons 3-pointer for Portland put the Blazers up 54-37 midway through the second quarter and they went on to lead 68-52 at the half. Portland played its starters all 12 minutes apiece in the first half. Lopez was the only starter who started the second half for the Blazers. Nicolas Batum, Wesley Matthews and Damian Lillard did not play again. The Clippers closed to within 74-73 in the third quarter after Crawford hit a driving layup, two 3-pointers and a free throw. Los Angeles went ahead 81-78 on Matt Barnes 3. Portland reclaimed the lead when Freelands basket with just under 10 minutes left to make it 89-87. Crawford made a 3-pointer that put the Clippers in front 96-94, but Barton answered with his own 3 with 4:37 left. Victor Clavers 3-pointer gave the Blazers a 106-100 lead and all but sealed the win with 1:58 to go. Notes: Lopez was awarded the Blazers Maurice Lucas award for his contributions to the team both on and off the court. ... The Clippers victory over the Nuggets Tuesday was the teams 57th, setting a new franchise record.