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Wayne Rooney Could Still Be England’s Most Important Player at Euro 2016
- Updated: June 4, 2016
The previous week, Marcus Rashford became the youngest ever player to score on his England debut with his goal against Australia at the Stadium of Light.
At the age of only 18 years and 208 days, Rashford had quickly made himself indispensable to an England squad already brimming with youthful talent.
While England celebrated the arrival of another young hero, it was perfectly understandable that the television cameraman immediately sought out the reaction of that symbol of the old order, Wayne Rooney, who was sitting on the bench.
If they were expecting a frown they would have been disappointed (they found that instead on Daniel Sturridge), for Rooney wore a large smile on his face.
The England captain was naturally happy for a young Manchester United team-mate, but his relaxed grin also revealed his own inner confidence and contented state of mind.
Rooney does not look upon England’s new generation as rivals, but rather as allies who can help him remain and thrive on the international stage.
And sure enough, just over an hour later, Rooney proved that by coming off the bench to score a wonderful goal made by Rashford and Raheem Sterling.
On the halfway line, Rashford eased the ball in to the path of Sterling who raced in to the Australian half and laid the ball in to Rooney who struck the ball high in to the net.
Of course the night belonged to Rashford, but here was Rooney with a not so subtle reminder that he still had a lot to offer in an England shirt.
It is a dangerous game writing off Rooney, and one I have dabbled in myself, but on the eve of Euro 2016 he appears to be finding form and fitness at the right time.
Since his stunning emergence at Euro 2004, English football has patiently …
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