Rooney’s tribute was a great way to end one Three Lions era... and showcase the next
WONDER how many millions are made by people with inside knowledge betting on financial markets at times of political strife? Countless, is the answer. Yet if a football player gives someone a nod that he is moving to another club and that someone is lucky enough to have more than a tenner accepted by a bookmaker, it is a heinous offence.
It is not. It is trivial. When we should have been talking about the momentum built by a fantastic win against Spain, we were talking about Rooney’s 53 goals. When we should have been talking about the thrilling counterattacking potential of this young England squad, we were talking about Rooney’s remarkable number of appearances. When we should have been hailing a new breed of fearless player, we were hailing a talent of yesteryear. In the entire build-up to the fatuous 3-0 win over the US, the 3-2 victory in Seville was not mentioned. Not once. Southgate clearly felt comfortable having a hiatus, a break in the development of his masterplan. Giving Rooney a fitting tribute was the right thing to do but it was still a reminder of an era of underachievement.
After a couple of vibrant performances at Euro 2004, it is hard to recall a truly thrilling display from a Rooney-centric team in the following decade or so. This current England squad looks like it has one in them every time they take the field.
Looking beyond the Rooney love-in last Thursday, there were more positive signs for Southgate. Jadon Sancho is a thrilling talent with a knack for choosing the sensible option, hence his simple but classic assist for Trent Alexander-arnold’s goal. Then, there is Alexander-arnold (right, top) himself.
The Liverpool defender still has a vulnerability that needs to be worked on, but as back-up to Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, he is top drawer. And only 20 years of age. In certain areas, central midfield in particular, England do not look particularly well-covered but in several, they have strength in depth.
Not only do they have numbers, they have emerging world-class quality.
In Harry Kane, a world-class centre-forward and, in John Stones, a player who is destined to become one of the best centre-halves in the It seems like the Wayne Rooney celebrations did not devalue the day for Callum Wilson. Priceless memory game. The mistake in the World Cup semi-final has not haunted him – far from it.
His display in the Manchester derby last weekend was as majestic as it was under-acclaimed.
Stones did not play in Rooney’s testimonial but will lead the defence against Croatia today.
England’s last game of a brilliant year should be a cracker.
Apart from club managers led by Jurgen Klopp, those who ridiculed the UEFA Nations League concept must now be convinced by its worth.
And England’s young guns have embraced it, celebrating Croatia’s midweek win over Spain that now gives them a chance to finish top of the group. As Rooney observed at close quarters, this is an England group with noticeably strong bonds. For a moment or two maybe, it must have occurred to Southgate (left) that fortuitous circumstances at Russia 2018 were key to England reaching the semi-final and that might be as good as it gets. But only for a moment or two. The summer was wonderful, but this squad has untapped potential. They have paused to pay respect to Rooney’s feats, but it is all about the future for this collection of gifted, likeable players. Whisper it quietly... but this could truly be a golden generation. JADON SANCHO has been rightly receiving the plaudits not just for his outstanding form and ability but for his boldness in leaving Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund. What has not been mentioned a great deal is that letting a talent such as Sancho (left) slip through the net, no matter what the mitigating circumstances, was a rare misstep from Pep Guardiola.