‘ROONEY IS SO FULL OF LION FIGHT’
PAUL SCHOLES believes that Wayne Rooney will fight for his future with England.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate left the Manchester United star out of his latest squad amid concerns over a knee injury and a lack of game time, which has raised doubts over his long-term prospects.
Former England midfielder Scholes quit playing for his country at 29, but he still believes Rooney, 31, has a lot to offer and should not be discarded.
Scholes said: “Wayne has been a sensational footballer for England and Man United for nearly 15 years. He is greatly respected and I still think he has a part to play for both.
“He has great experience, he can pass knowledge on to young players and it’s up to Gareth if and when he wants to use it.
“I don’t want to talk about him going to another English club, I hope he gets himself back into the United team.
“He has a fight on his hands, but the Wayne Rooney I know is someone who will face that challenge and try to do it.
“He still has a prominent role to play for England and United.
“There’s been a lot of speculation over where he goes now but Wayne, with what he’s done, has earned the right to do what he wants to do. I hope he does stay and fight.”
Rooney (above), who has won 119 caps, is determined not to quit on England and says he will not retire until after the 2018 World Cup.
Scholes, now 42, also believes that Southgate should be given time before judgements are made on his reign.
He added: “As an England manager you’d probably like to earn your stripes and I don’t think he’s done that on the European stage or the domestic stage with club management.
“He did great with the England Under-21s and we have been down every other route, down the route with the so-called super coaches and it hasn’t worked.
“Now we have a passionate man in charge.”