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Stones: Rooney key for England
- Updated: October 5, 2016
John Stones insists captain Wayne Rooney remains a “key player” for England, despite currently being out of favour at Manchester United.
Rooney has endured a difficult start to the new Premier League season and has been left on the substitutes’ bench for the previous three matches, having failed to score since the opening day success at Bournemouth.
As well as his form, the 30-year-old’s position in the England team has also been a major taking point following his spell as a midfielder under Roy Hodgson at Euro 2016.
Rooney stressed on Tuesday he would play in any position decided by interim manager Gareth Southgate, even if that meant settling for place on the substitutes’ bench.
But when asked whether he felt Rooney was still a big player for England, Stones said: “Definitely. He has been throughout the years. Every player goes through up and down patches.
“Wayne’s always fully focused when he comes here and is a key player, as is everyone in my eyes.”
Stones added: “I don’t think you get the …
