Terry says Rooney deserves more respect: 'A great player and man'

Add John Terry to the list of those firmly entrenched in Wayne Rooney's corner.

The under-fire England captain, who was dropped by interim manager Gareth Southgate for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia amid intensifying calls from England fans and pundits for that very course of action, is not being shown enough respect for all that he has accomplished, according to Terry.

Related: Southgate confirms Rooney dropped from starting XI vs. Slovenia

The decision to ax Rooney from the starting XI has been widely hailed by many in the country, but Terry wants those clamouring for his complete exclusion from the side to show some more admiration for his unwavering commitment to the nation over the course of his career.

The Chelsea defender and former England skipper, 35, took to Instagram to defend the Three Lions' record goal scorer, who was booed by sections of the Wembley crowd during England's most recent contest against Malta.

The message reads:

Wayne Rooney England's highest record goalscorer in the history of our game. Soon to be the most capped player our great country has ever produced.

One of the very best players I have seen and had the pleasure playing with in my lifetime, and a man who has given everything for England.

An absolute LEGEND at Everton, Man Utd, England and world football. We should all show more respect to this great player and man. Let's all get behind Wayne and the England team tomorrow.

Rooney's wife Coleen, along with Southgate, have both leapt to the striker-cum-midfielder's defence in recent days.

Related: Coleen Rooney defends husband Wayne from 'idiot' critics on Twitter

While Rooney's historic contribution to England is undeniable, Terry's message is very much rooted in past accomplishments; while it can be difficult for both clubs and countries to move on from such an important figure, it behooves England to do exactly that for continued growth.