Steven Gerrard: 'Wayne Rooney still the man for England'

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor | 02 January 2016

Former England captain Steven Gerrard believes that current Three Lions skipper Wayne Rooney is still the man to deliver for his country on the biggest stage.

Former England captain Steven Gerrard has said that he believes Wayne Rooney is still the man to deliver for the Three Lions on the biggest stage, despite his form for Manchester United this season.

Rooney, who took over as England skipper when Gerrard retired from international duty in 2014, became his country's all-time leading goalscorer in September - surpassing the long-standing record of Sir Bobby Charlton - but he has managed just two goals in 15 Premier League appearances for United this term.

Although the likes of Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane have impressed, Gerrard still believes that Rooney would offer more in a crucial game at next year's Euro 2016 tournament in France.

"Jamie Vardy is doing well, Harry Kane is doing well but in a big game who is England's best chance of scoring?" Gerrard told the Daily Mail.

"Does anyone think it is not Wayne Rooney in this room? If there is a penalty in the last 10 minutes to progress out of a group or into a quarter-final who would you want to take it?

"Who does everyone in the dressing room at Manchester United and England look to for inspiration? Who are they all hiding behind pressure wise when it isn't going well? Wayne Rooney does more than just score goals, he has an impact on the whole team and squad."

Vardy and Kane have scored 26 Premier League goals between them at the halfway stage of the season.