Robbo wants critics off Wayne’s back and a new Gazza to emerge
BRYAN ROBSON has rounded on Wayne Rooney’s critics with a sharp reminder to those who question the England skipper’s Euro 2016 credentials.
Former Three Lions captain Robbo hit back at any suggestion that Rooney is no longer worth his place in the starting line-up.
Robson, now 59 and a global ambassador for Manchester United, insisted: “People have forgotten – did Wayne not score seven goals in eight games in qualifying? Just because he had an injury, they were saying he shouldn’t start in the Euros.
“Hold on. He’s the main reason we’re there! It’s a no-brainer.
“I’m with Roy Hodgson – Wayne should be a certainty, he really should.
“I would basically start 4-3-3, but play Wayne just in front of two midfielders.’’
Robson wants either Tottenham’s Dele Alli or Everton’s Ross Barkley to make the sort of impact this summer that Paul Gascoigne had at the 1990
World Cup in Italy.
Robson, who as England skipper saw his involvement in the tournament cut short by injury, said: “I look at Barkley and Alli and, hopefully, one of them turns out to be a Gazza.
“They look to have that same type of ability.
“We didn’t know much about Gazza till the 1990 World Cup, when he came to the fore.
“Hopefully, Barkley or Alli will do a Gazza.’’
Robson (right) added: “I think we’ve got a great chance of doing well in France.
“I think we’ve got loads of energy and pace about the squad.
“The young lads don’t look as though they’re fazed.’’