Matt Le Tissier says the England captain Wayne Rooney does not warrant a place in the starting lineup at this summer’s European Championship.
Rooney has endured a difficult season at Manchester United and will miss England’s friendlies with Germany and Holland through injury.
Le Tissier said that on current form he would not pick him when the tournament kicks off in France. “Not at the moment, based on form,� the former Southampton and England forward said.
“You also have to take into consideration the fact that when he’s been injured he’s not been great at coming back and hitting form straight away. The spell he’s been out now is starting to be a little bit extended and you have to wonder what form he will be in.
“At the moment, based on what I’ve seen this season, I wouldn’t say that he does get in the side. But obviously Roy Hodgson is very loyal to his players, he is his captain. In my world he probably wouldn’t play but in Roy’s world, if he’s fit, I think he’ll play.
“I’d have him in the squad but he wouldn’t make the starting XI.�
Harry Kane is expected to start up front in Berlin on Saturday and Le Tissier feels his Tottenham team-mate Dele Alli will also feature prominently.
Le Tissier is excited by that partnership and has urged England to play to their strengths in France. “I like the fact we’ve got some talented forwards in good form this season,� he said.
“I think that’s the strongest area of our team, which has not always been said about the England team over the last few years.
“It would be nice if we went out and tried to win matches rather than going out trying not to lose.
“Kane and Alli are fantastic together. As manager of the national side Roy’s probably looking at that and that will help Alli’s case.
“The fact that their relationship this season has gone from strength to strength could tip it in his favour.�
Matt Le Tissier attended an event unveiling details of Lidl UK’s partnership with the FA, which will provide 1.2 million opportunities for boys and girls across England to receive professional coaching. See faskills.thefa.com