Rooney is STILL England's leader, insists Sheringham

goal.com

The former Manchester United and England striker believes the current skipper remains the focal point for his country, despite questions about his form this season.

Wayne Rooney remains England’s leader and has still got the quality to be a difference-maker at international level, according to former Manchester United and England striker Teddy Sheringham.

Rooney’s place in Roy Hodgson’s side has come under scrutiny during his current injury absence, particularly in light of the Three Lions’ thrilling 3-2 victory in Germany on Saturday.

But Sheringham, who earned 51 caps for England between 1993 and 2002, has told Goalthat Rooney must be a starter for his country so long as his form deserves it once he returns to fitness.

“There have a lot of calls for him not to be involved, but he is our captain, he is our leader, and he will be invaluable,” said Sheringham, who is participating in the Carlsberg Euro 2016 Trophy Tour.

“His experience will be invaluable in the Euros, so I would fully expect him to be playing - but only on merit. If he comes back buzzing then he’s good enough to get in the team then I think there’s a spot for him in behind Harry Kane.”

Sheringham admits that Rooney has not been at top form throughout Manchester United’s difficult 2015-16 campaign but believes he could be buoyed by the enthusiasm of some of his England contemporaries.

“He’s been very stop-start,” he added. “He needs to come back from his injury and get performing to the highest of his ability very quickly. I’m sure he will, I’m sure the lads like Dele Alli and Harry Kane will drag him along and get him into tip-top shape as soon as possible.”

And while there have been calls for Rooney to drop into midfield to allow the likes of Alli and Kane to be handed starting shirts by Roy Hodgson, Sheringham says the England skipper belongs further up the field.

“I’d have him just in behind the front man as a No.10. I think it’s always been his best position and I don’t believe any different now.

“He’s still got that little burst of pace if he needs it and he’s a very clever player who can certainly score goals as well, and when you’ve got somebody who can score goals I wouldn’t drop him too deep.”

Rooney revealed to ITV on Tuesday that he expects to make a return from a knee injury in the next couple of weeks. He sustained the problem in Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Sunderland in February and has so far missed 12 games for club and country as a result.