Taking a U-Turn, Wayne Rooney Votes Against Starting Trent Alexander-Arnold For England Vs Serbia – UEFA Euro 2024 News

Gareth Southgate has a headache with England suffering a defeat against Iceland last week. The manager’s tactics seemed out of place as the visitors easily exploited the team’s weary defense. With the Three Lions set to take on Serbia in their opening Euros fixture this Sunday, Gareth Southgate will need to come out with an assured plan to lead his men to the win. The defense could be a big factor for England, with Southgate’s side struggling even with the likes of Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in their ranks.

Former England star Wayne Rooney commented on England’s playing eleven during his appearance on The Overlap’s Fan Debate. The Plymouth Argyle manager claimed the Three Lions lack the depth in their defense and would have to go for a tighter formation rather than rely on their star-studded attack. Rooney also used the opportunity to slam Trent Alexander-Arnold just days after backing his inclusion into the squad.

Rooney stated, “I think (Gareth) will go with Trent. He’s probably the most gifted player with the ball at his feet we’ve got. Defensively, he’s all over the place. He can’t defend. I wouldn’t have him anywhere near the middle of the pitch.”

Rooney then named his ideal playing eleven with the player keeping Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench as Kieren Tripper starts alongside Kyle Walker as a fullback. However, the Plymouth manager wasn’t done as he claimed Jude Bellingham would have to play second fiddle to Phil Foden. Talk about an outrageous statement!

Rooney defines Jude Bellingham’s role after snubbing Trent Alexander-Arnold

Talking about England’s midfield, Wayne Rooney had his own set of ideas. The former English star claimed, “You have to build the team around Phil Foden. It has to be as a number 10 and Jude plays a little bit deeper. I think (the expectation) is more on Jude now. For Phil, this season has been a big step-up for him. You’re lacking a midfielder next to Declan Rice and I think Jude is going to play there at Madrid, given the players they’ve brought in. He’s more than capable of doing that. For me, that’s his best position.”

Well, while it may surprise some fans, Wayne Rooney makes sense. Jude Bellingham can be a brilliant partner for Declan Rice as he pushes a little deeper to provide the team with more depth. Meanwhile, playing Phil Foden in an attacking midfield role will open up space on the left flank, which can be used to pair Cole Palmer alongside Harry Kane and Buyako Saka.