Rams boss Rooney gives Rashford the nod against Germany
WAYNE BELIEVES MARCUS COULD HOLD THE KEY IN EURO SHOWDOWN
WAYNE Rooney believes Marcus Rashford should start England’s Euro 2020 last-16 clash against Germany tomorrow ahead of Jack Grealish.
The Aston Villa captain set up the Three Lions’ only goal in their 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic last Tuesday.
However, Derby County manager Rooney reckons his former Manchester United team-mate should get the nod against Joachim Low’s team.
England have plenty of attacking options but have only scored two goals in three games at the Euros – Raheem Sterling with both – and Rooney believes Germany’s high defensive line demands runners either side of striker Harry Kane.
Robin Gosens, the Germany left wing-back, was named man of the match in their 4-2 thumping of Portugal and Rooney says he would start three midfielders to counter the threat and to keep Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan in check too.
“Different opponents demand different approaches and Tuesday’s game is tailor-made for Marcus Rashford,” Rooney wrote in The Sunday Times.
“Rashford is ideal for the job and one of Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka or Jadon Sancho would complete my forward line.
“Raheem has been in brilliant form and Saka impressed against the Czechs, while Sancho knows the German players the best, so I don’t think you could lose with whichever option you chose.
“Their centre-backs will push to the halfway line.
“The first thought when England win it should be to play into the channels and have Rashford, and Sterling/saka/sancho going in behind. Having runners will get England up the pitch and take Germany’s counter-press away.”
MIDFIELDER Ryan Tunnicliffe has completed a move to League One side Portsmouth, despite reports suggesting he would stay in the Championship.
Derby County were one of the teams linked with the 28-year-old, whose Luton Town contract expired in the summer.
The Rams are under a transfer embargo, although they are able to sign players on a free transfer with the approval of the EFL.
Tunnicliffe played 24 times for the Hatters in the Championship last season, scoring two goals.
He has signed a two-year deal with Portsmouth.
Pompey boss Danny Cowley says the club beat Championship competition for the signing. “We’ve had to fight off Championship clubs but he really brought into the project that we have here at Pompey,” said Cowley. “He is certainly someone who we feel can help when we’re trying to break sides down and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Tunnicliffe played alongside Rams’ boss Wayne Rooney during his time at Manchester United, where he graduated from the Red Devils’ Academy.
FORMER Derby County loanee Harry Wilson is wanted by Benfica, it’s claimed.
Initial talks over the Liverpool and Welsh international winger have broken down over the £15m price tag, The Athletic reports.
The 24-year-old spent last season on loan with Cardiff City where he scored seven goals in 37 appearances. It was the fifth loan spell of his career to date and Rams fans enjoyed Wilson’s spell at the club in 2018-19.
He was top scorer that season with 18 goals in 49 games and helped the Rams to reach the Championship play-off final, where they lost to
Aston Villa.
Wilson has also had loans with Crewe Alexandra, Hull City and Bournemouth.
The Athletic reports that Benfica recently made an official approach for Wilson.
Liverpool reportedly turned down a bid of around £11m for him from Burnley last summer.
Portsmouth have yet to receive any firm bids for winger Ronan Curtis, who has been linked with a number of Championship clubs including the Rams, Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff City and Reading, The News reports.
The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international still has two years to run on his contract at Fratton Park and Portsmouth would demand a fee.