Southgate unsure over Rooney’s England future

Three lions: Manager admits he made his decision ‘based on form’

England boss Gareth Southgate admits it is “impossible to say” whether Wayne Rooney will play for his country again.

Manchester United striker Rooney has again been left out of Southgate’s Three Lions squad next month.

The former captain was omitted in March for games against Germany and Lithuania and has been overlooked this time for June’s matches against Scotland and France.

Rooney’s role at Manchester United has diminished since Jose Mourinho’s arrival as manager and he started just 15 Premier League games this season.

His time at Old Trafford appears to be over and Southgate also conceded he does not know if Rooney will feature for England again.

“It’s impossible to say. Like every other player’s form will dictate that. I certainly don’t rule it out because a player of his quality and experience, you hope will reach the levels we know he can and be a big part of England’s future,” he told BBC Radio Five Live.

“I’m mindful of being respectful of what he’s done so don’t like talking about him in the past tense. Knowing Wayne and his mentality he’ll want to prove people wrong, prove me wrong and he’s more than capable of doing that.

“He’s a man we have to respect. He’s our greatest goalscorer and one of our highest ever achievers in terms of caps and he’s an unselfish player whenever he’s played for England or his club.

“But equally I have to make decisions based on form and what’s right for the team at this team. Who knows if I’ve got that right but have to do what I believe to be correct.”

Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Jermain Defoe and United team-mate Marcus Rashford have all been selected ahead of Rooney – who scored eight goals this season – this time.

Southgate said: “Other people have come in to the squad and done very well.

“It appears Wayne has got some decisions to make over the summer regarding next season but the hope is he is back playing really well.”

Meanwhile Nathaniel Clyne is out of England’s qualifier against Scotland with a back injury. Southgate confirmed that the Liverpool right-back would miss the game and a friendly with France three days later after withdrawing from the squad.

Tottenham’s Kyle Walker or his White Hart Lane team-mate Kieran Trippier will be his likely replacement.

Getty. Wayne Rooney has been left out of the squad to face Scotland and France next month by Gareth Southgate.