England vs Wales: Wayne Rooney has urged England manager Gareth Southgate to rest Harry Kane for their FIFA World Cup Group B match against Wales.
England kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign by trouncing Iran 6-2 in their opening match. However, the Three Lions delivered a rather underwhelming performance in their next match as they and USA shared points after playing out a goalless draw.
England are yet to seal their place in the FIFA World Cup round-of-16, but are pretty much expected to. If the Three Lions avoid a 4-0 defeat in the England vs Wales match, they will qualify for the round-of-16.
Writing in his column in the Times, Wayne Rooney urged Southgate to rest Harry Kane for the England vs Wales match in the FIFA World Cup.
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England vs Wales: Wayne Rooney is hoping to see Kane get some against in FIFA World Cup Match vs Wales
Wayne Rooney believes Southgate should have considered taking Harry Kane off at half-time of their 6-2 win over Iran. England were leading the game 3-0 at half-time against Iran.
Wayne Rooney also suggested Harry Kane may have been suffering from a knock –that he took in the second half of the match against Iran – vs USA.
Wayne Rooney further urged Southgate to protect Harry Kane and help him stay fit when there are opportunities. “The other big change I would make for the Wales match would be to rest Harry Kane,” Rooney wrote.
“Against the USA, he looked like he may have been suffering the effects of a heavy knock he took in the Iran game. It was from a tackle in the second half and in that match, I felt that Gareth should have considered taking him off at half-time.
“England were leading 3-0, the game was already won and Harry is our most important player. When there are opportunities to protect him and help him stay fit, I believe Gareth should take them — and that is why I would keep Harry on the bench against Wales.”
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Meanwhile, England sits top of FIFA World Cup 2022 Group B, with four points from two matches. Second in Group B are Iran, with three points.
The USA, with two points, occupies the third place in the group, while Wales, with one point, languishes in fourth.
