He's been carrying the expectations of a whole nation for several years. This is probably the first time in ages where that isn't the case anymore. This should help his performances massively imo. Only in England can people question whether a player of Rooneys quality and ability should be left out of the squad. Not saying that to disrespect anyone. A fit and in form Rooney probably still the best English player, with the weight on fit and in form.
Great performance and result tonight. Hopefully Roy will keep faith in these young players. I was seriously impressed with the energy, work rate and hunger shown tonight. Are England finally on the verge of fulfilling their potential?
I wouldn't want to dampen down the expectations but......Remember, the worst Irish side for 40 years took 4 points off that German team in the qualifiers.
That proves to all the doubters that we don't need them. Shame rangercol can't get down off he's high horse !
To all those saying Rooney must play consider this: Man Utd are a team of many big names including Rooney, his presence has failed to ignite their season and when he was injured, along with others, an 18 year old was brought in and suddenly transformed the team's performances. In the Premier League Spurs have fearlessly brought a number of young players into the team, most notably Alli, Dier, Rose and Kane. Young skilful players who play at a tremendously high tempo and fit in together, with others, to create a team ethic which is so difficult to play against. Leicester have a group of players who were considered relegation candidates a year ago but, through a strong team ethic and high tempo game have steamrollered their way to a big lead at the top, again, the emphasis is on the team with the right players in the right positions to fit the system. Yes, Rooney is undoubtedly one of the top English players of the past decade or so but he has been playing at the top level since he was 16 and often with the expectation at high level on his shoulders, this has undoubtedly taken it's toll on him. He has been shifted around by England managers and even Fergie because of his ability and often to his detriment to accommodate other players. Now we are trying to fit him in when he is physically past his best and the way we are playing means other players will be moved to accommodate him and the team would perhaps be less effective. I have no doubt he will be in the team when we kick off against Russia along with other favourites such as Wilshere, Sturridge and Welbeck if they are fit but last night showed that the influence of Pochettino in placing faith in skilful, energetic young players is the way forward and giving them their head in the Euros would be a major stepping stone to the big prize in Russia in 2018, better to blood them now in a tournament which will give them the self-belief (as if they need it) than outside it. We need to look at the benefit we would gain in moulding the team now rather than later...
That's very true Fingi but for the majority of our two games against the Germans, they pummelled us. It was a very lucky 4pts. They were earned from true grit. England's performance last night was impressive and for large parts of the game they lucked very assured when in possession. I love the high energy, high pressing game and those young fit and fast players allowed England to do just that. That's the team I would start in the finals with the exception of Henderson.
Sooper, that's a brilliant post IMO. Apologies for commenting on this post as I'm not English but I do have a very definite opinion on Rooney. I've always acknowledged that he was a top player with world class potential but I just feel he never truly fulfilled it. This was undoubtedly affected by a succession of managers (including Ferguson) playing him in several withdrawal positions. I remember him playing as the holding midfielder for about half a dozen games.FFS I think it's reasonable to now suggest that he's past his best and with the pace and energy that Kane, Vardy, Wellbeck etc can bring to the table, it's time for a changing of the guard. These young players have huge potential and are bang in form.
If we're planning to play a counter-attacking 4-3-3, where does Rooney fit in? He's nowhere near as good as Kane and far too slow for the wide positions. He's had a terrible season and always needs a few games after an injury to look sharp. Should be well behind all of Kane, Vardy, Sturridge and Welbeck IMO as they all fit that system. If he's now an attacking midfielder, surely he's well behind Alli and Barkley. I see no good reason to take him along as if he's in the squad he'll play.
Football is a game that is constantly evolving and those who stand still will be left behind. The team performance yesterday, particularly in the second half was breathtaking at times. I'm still concerned with our defence and would prefer Stones and Smalling but I'd back this team to outpace and outgun most opponents. This was the first time I've felt genuinely excited about an England team since the days of Venables and Hoddle. Sadly, we all know Hodgson is a 'belt and braces' man and I fear he won't have the balls to go for it...
What are you going on about? If Rooney is fit then he should definitely be in the squad. Whether he starts or not is another thing. If we play 4-3-3 I wouldn't start him. However, if we start with someone behind the striker he could play behind kane. I've been telling people for around a year that England have a very talented young group of players with big potential. If you don't rate Rooney you know little about the game imo.
I don't rate Rooney any more. Think he's shot. If he is in the squad at all it will be detrimental IMO.
51 international goals is reason enough to take him in the squad. Nowhere near as good as kane? Really? Nowhere near? The bias against Rooney because he's a thick twat knows no bounds.
Gary Lineker has lots of international goals too but I wouldn't take him either. And no, he is currently nowhere near as good as Kane. Kane led the line brilliantly and scored a fantastic goal. When did Rooney last put in a performance like that against a decent team, let alone one as good as Germany? Kane has scored 20 goals in successive seasons. Rooney now drops 40 yards off the striker and tries to play Hail Mary passes as he's too immobile to do anything else.
Whilst I thought England played very well yesterday, especially coming back from 2 goals down, it is only a friendly. The Germans, Italians etc have a track record of playing badly prior to international tournaments and winning - I only hope that if England win all their remaining friendly matches, they do not become complacent in the tournament. I thought that the 4 Spurs players all played well as did Vardy when he came on. Young players, hungry players and willing to fight till the final whilst - this could be at last a side we can all be proud of.
