Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton has claimed that Wayne Rooney should have retired from international duty after the European Championships earlier this summer.
Rooney's international future has long been under the microscope, but he retained the captaincy under new boss Sam Allardyce and revealed at the end of August that he would not be retiring from England until after the 2018 World Cup.
The Manchester United captain also started England's 1-0 win over Slovakia in their opening World Cup qualifier at the weekend and once again his performance was questioned as he operated in a deeper role.
Shilton, who is the only player to have represented England on more occasions than 116-cap Rooney, doubts whether the 31-year-old is still contributing to the team.
"I don't think he's a striker anymore. We are trying to fit him in, but he's not a midfield player for me. Never will be. He is spraying a few balls around, but I don't think he's being very effective," Shilton told BBC Sport. "I thought he should have retired after the Euros. It's not because he could break my record. Far from it. If he does and he plays well, fine."
Shilton made 125 appearances for England between 1970 and 1990.
Matt Law
