“Is he experienced enough” Crystal Palace won’t like what Wayne Rooney said to BLAST Crystal Palace rock over Gareth Southgate defence line Selection at England.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney has voiced concerns over the defensive inexperience in the current England squad ahead of the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. With Harry Maguire ruled out due to injury, John Stones stands as the sole center-back with significant international experience. Stones is likely to be paired with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi at the heart of the defense, as was seen in a recent match against Serbia.
While acknowledging the abundance of talented attacking options at Gareth Southgate’s disposal, Rooney highlights the vulnerabilities in defense stemming from a lack of tournament experience. Despite his confidence in the overall quality of the squad, Rooney emphasizes the importance of striking the right balance and hopes that Stones’ fitness and team cohesion will carry England through the group stage.
Rooney supports Southgate’s decision to omit Maguire from the squad due to fitness concerns but expresses surprise at the exclusion of Jarrad Branthwaite, considering the Everton defender’s strong season. He appreciates Southgate’s proactive approach in finalizing the squad early to allow for focused preparations but underscores the need for a balance between youth and experience.
Rooney particularly laments the shortage of left-back options and expresses hope for Luke Shaw’s potential availability later in the tournament. The former England captain recognizes the need for a balanced and experienced defensive unit to complement the squad’s attacking prowess as they aim for success at Euro 2024.