Euro 2016

Matt Le Tissier: 'Wayne Rooney shouldn't make England starting XI'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 22 March 2016

Former England international Matt Le Tissier believes that captain Wayne Rooney has not done enough to warrant a starting place at Euro 2016 this summer.

Former England international Matt Le Tissier has said that he believes Wayne Rooney does not warrant a starting place at Euro 2016 on this season's form.

The Manchester United striker, who captains club and country, has been criticised for his performances this season and will miss England's upcoming friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands through injury.

The likes of Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge are among the other strikers expected to be included in Roy Hodgson's squad, and Le Tissier believes that they are more worthy of a starting role this summer.

Asked whether the skipper should start, Le Tissier told reporters: "Not at the moment, based on form. You also have to take into consideration the fact that when he's been injured he's not been great at coming back and hitting form straight away.

"The spell he's been out now is starting to be a little bit extended and you have to wonder what form he will be in. At the moment, based on what I've seen this season, I wouldn't say that he does get in the side. But obviously Roy Hodgson is very loyal to his players, he is his captain. In my world he probably wouldn't play but in Roy's world, if he's fit, I think he'll play.

"I'd have him in the squad but he wouldn't make the starting XI. I like the fact we've got some talented forwards in good form this season. I think that's the strongest area of our team, which has not always been said about the England team over the last few years.

"It would be nice if we went out and tried to win matches rather than going out trying not to lose. Kane and [Dele] Alli are fantastic together. As manager of the national side Roy's probably looking at that and that will help Alli's case. The fact that their relationship this season has gone from strength to strength could tip it in his favour."

England open their Euro 2016 campaign against Russia on June 11, before further group games against Wales and Slovakia.