Rooney out, Defoe in is shock call

GARETH Southgate admits England captain Wayne Rooney’s lack of playing time at Manchester United has contributed to his omission from a squad featuring several shock inclusions.

Southgate revealed that Rooney could return from a short-term knee lay-off at the weekend, though England’s record scorer was absent from the 26-man group the Three Lions boss has named to face Germany and Lithuania the following week.

Jermain Defoe, Jake Livermore and Luke Shaw were all included, as were four uncapped players, and Southgate conceded Rooney’s exclusion can in part be attributed to his limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho.

The 31-year-old has started four games in 2017 and only last month he released a statement stating he would be remaining at Old Trafford despite interest from the Chinese Super League.

“I’ve talked with Wayne and I think there’s a chance he’s fit for the weekend,” Southgate said.

“But also, the injury, coupled with the fact he’s really not had a lot of game time recently, and others have in that area of the pitch, has sort of determined my decision on that one.”

Rooney’s absence is even more surprising given the depleted options Southgate has in attack as Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge are both out injured.

That has led to a recall for 35-year-old Sunderland striker Defoe four years on from the last of his 55 caps, as well as teenager Marcus Rashford’s presence in the senior squad as opposed to Aidy Boothroyd’s Under-21s.

Kane is the only English player to have plundered more Premier League goals than Defoe this term and Southgate views his age as just a number.

“It was important not to look at somebody’s age and dismiss them from your thinking,” Southgate said.

“His goalscoring record generally is phenomenal, but in particular this season in a team that perhaps aren’t creating as many chances as other teams.

“His strike-rate is outstanding.

“I didn’t want to look at his age and think he’s finished with England.”

Defoe earned the nod ahead of Andy Carroll, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck, all of whom were name-checked at Thursday’s announcement by Southgate, who showed he was not afraid to be bold with his first squad since being appointed on a permanent basis.