After a tough season, Wayne Rooney should no longer be the first name on the England teamsheet.
That’s the opinion of Trevor Sinclair, a member of the Three Lions squad that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002.
Speaking to JOE on behalf of 888poker.com Sinclair said the Manchester United captain needs to be in Roy Hodgson’s squad, but ought not to be an automatic starter.
“Rooney scoring important goals is really positive from an England point of view – he’s clearly an important player and can still produce very good performances that can ultimately win games,” Sinclair said.
“He’s got to be in the England squad [for Euro 2016], but I’m not sure he would be a first choice. He might be best as an impact sub.
A wide-midfielder who made more than 300 Premier League appearances for QPR, West Ham United and Manchester City, Sinclair believes Harry Kane’s development over the last few months makes him potentially undroppable.
“With Harry Kane playing this unbelievably I think he has everything,” he said.
“He was spectacular against Crystal Palace, even his passing, the variation he has, he’s just getting better and better. Then you’ve got Vardy playing wide with his pace and penetration, and with Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling you have exciting young talents too.”
But he wouldn’t be drawn on a prediction for the summer’s European Championships, arguing that there’s no need to put undue pressure on the squad – after the disappointment of the 2002 exit to Brazil, who can blame him.
To read Trevor Sinclair’s thoughts on the the future of Yaya Touré, and Manchester City’s January transfer plans, head to 888poker.com
