Report: Rooney risked missing Euros by playing through injury at Van Gaal's request
Wayne Rooney could have compromised his role in Euro 2016 after playing through the pain of a knee injury last month, as James Ducker of The Telegraph reveals the desperation of the England and Manchester United captain.
Rooney hasn't played a minute since the 2-1 loss to Sunderland on Feb. 13, when he damaged ligaments in his right knee. Ducker claims Rooney requested a substitution in that match at the 65-minute mark, but United manager Louis van Gaal urged his striker to stay on the pitch as he searched for a win.
Playing those additional 25 minutes put Rooney at a greater risk of a more severe injury, the likes of which could've ruled him out of this summer's tournament as well as next season's opening few months.
Rooney is due to return to action on April 16 against Aston Villa, but that will leave him with no more than six Premier League matches to prove himself. England coach Roy Hodgson has until May 31 to submit his final 23-man squad for the European Championship.
There is an ongoing debate over whether a healthy Rooney even deserves a spot in England's starting lineup. Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane both scored in a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over Germany on Saturday, and Hodgson has insisted he will not select Rooney based on his reputation alone.
Related: England fightback is further proof Rooney shouldn't start at Euro 2016