LINEKER: HE’S A T-ROO GREAT
GARY LINEKER believes Wayne Rooney’s true value remains unappreciated in English football.
After Rooney became only the second player, behind Alan Shearer, to hit 200 Premier League goals with Everton’s opener in Monday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City, Three Lions legend Lineker (left) paid tribute to England’s only world-class act since the so-called golden generation turned out to be tinpot.
Rooney, 31, was dropped by England manager Gareth Southgate for the World Cup qualifier with Scotland in June, which appeared to signal the end of his international career.
But former England captain Lineker, an anchorman for BT Sport, said: “Rooney must be pretty close to a British all-time top 10.
“He’s been unfortunate in that he’s been England’s only world-class player since the golden generation disappeared.
“But Rooney has been a great player for English football and I think he’s been under-appreciated by and large.
“People say he’s never done it at a major tournament, but we might have gone on to win the 2004 Euros in Portugal if he hadn’t got injured.”