After watching England lost to Italy in their World Cup opener on Saturday evening, almost everyone had an opinion on where Roy Hodgson’s men went wrong. Wayne Rooney was one of the worst performers, and Jose Mourinho has chipped in with his thoughts on why the Manchester United forward is struggling for the national side.
The Chelsea boss points out that he is not as dangerous when played out to the left, and although he ‘did his job’ by providing the cross for Daniel Sturridge’s goal, he should be playing in the middle.
I agree with Mourinho. Rooney has never been the quickest, so when he gets forward he is unable to track back as quickly, or as efficiently, as Danny Welbeck or Raheem Sterling.
In my opinion, he is best in the number 10 spot with his back to goal, opening space and having shots from distance. He is a creative player and can find space between the lines, and for me he is wasted on the flank.
I would start him behind Sturridge on Thursday and have two of Sterling, Welbeck and Adam Lallana on the wings.
Who do you think should start against Uruguay?