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Start Vardy over Rooney at Euro 2016, Leicester assistant says

Reuters

Debate continues over who should comprise England's starting XI at this summer's European Championship in France, with much of the focus on the men leading the line.

Harry Kane looks certain to be the focal point of the attack, though the likes of Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge, and Danny Welbeck are all in contention for a spot should manager Roy Hodgson opt to play with more than just a lone striker.

And then, of course, there's the Wayne Rooney-sized elephant in the room.

Related: England fightback is further proof Rooney shouldn't start at Euro 2016

The aging England captain has been out of form, and injured, this season, and while many expect him to be on the pitch should he be fit, an overwhelming majority of England supports are fervent in their belief that the Manchester United man doesn't deserve a place in the starting XI.

Count Leicester City assistant manager Craig Shakespeare among them.

The famously named bench boss believes Vardy, who has been in scintillating form this season with 19 Premier League goals, should get the nod ahead of Rooney.

"For me, he's a certainty to go to Euro 2016 and a certainty to play. He must be a nightmare to play against," Shakespeare said.

"I would love to be in a position to choose between him and Rooney. My money, at the moment, would go to Jamie purely on form."

Related - Report: Rooney risked missing Euros by playing through injury at Van Gaal's request

Despite his inherent bias, it's difficult to disagree with the Leicester assistant, particularly given that Rooney may not even be fully fit by the time the tournament rolls around.

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