England Squad Report: Rooney's place in starting XI at risk

Wayne Rooney has confessed that he fears for his starting place in the England, as Roy Hodgson’s side prepare for Thursday’s “do-or-die” clash with Uruguay.

The Manchester United forward has become something of a scapegoat for the opening game defeat to Italy in Manaus, and now scrutiny over his true worth to England has intensified.

The emergence of Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, who both impressed Saturday, has forced many to question whether Rooney warrants a place in the England starting lineup at all. He’s under more pressure now than at any other point in his 11-year international career.

“I don’t know why you would say that,” whined Rooney when asked whether he felt his place was safe. “Why would I feel my place in the team is guaranteed? I work hard to try and get into that team and I’ve never said my place is guaranteed. I don’t expect to play.”

Against Italy it felt somewhat like Hodgson forced Rooney into his team, using him on the left when a more natural winger probably would have suited the system better.

Rooney did provide an excellent assist for Sturridge’s equaliser, but left teammate Leighton Baines too exposed at left-back, failing to track back in the way a left winger is expected to. He was a square-headed peg in a round hole.

“We want him in the area more,” admitted Hodgson ahead of Thursday’s pivotal game against Uruguay. “There is no question we will get him in the box.” But how exactly does Hodgson plan on doing that with Sterling, Sturridge and Danny Welbeck also in the team?

Rooney was England’s top scorer in qualification, with seven goals in six appearances, but he has now failed to score in the nine World Cup games he has played. He must break that duck against Uruguay.

Fixtures/Results

Group D — June 14 — England 1 - Italy 2

Group D — June 19 — Uruguay vs. England

Group D — June 24 — Costa Rica vs. England

Squad News/Rumors/Injury Report

FW Danny Welbeck – Still training with heavy strapping (Hamstring strain)

MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain — Expected to feature against Uruguay (Knee)

MF Jack Wilshere — Questionable (Match fitness).

Physio Gary Lewin – Dislocated and fractured his ankle celebrating Sturridge’s goal against Uruguay. He arrived back home in England yesterday.

Team Leaders

Goals: Daniel Sturridge – 1

Assists: Wayne Rooney - 1

4 Quick Notes

1. The fighting talk has begun. Roy Hodgson claims Luis Suarez has yet to prove his greatness. Because I suppose Rickie Lambert will go down in the pantheon of England greats, Roy?

2. Daniel Sturridge says he’s gutted after “letting everyone in England down.” You didn’t let everyone down, Daniel. Some people had money on a Mario Balotelli winner.

3. Alan Shearer calls on Hodgson to play Rooney as a number 10 behind Sturridge, or not at all. 

4. Almost 48 hours have passed since the game, but this still looks in. Although I’m not sure about the validity of this tweet. Just a hunch.