Wayne Rooney has said he would include Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford in England national football team‘s starting XI when they take on Senegal in the FIFA World Cup 2022 round of 16.
England qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022 round of 16 after finishing top of the points table in Group B. The Three Lions kicked off their campaign with an impressive 6-2 win over Iran.
However, Gareth Southgate’s men followed that up with a rather disappointing draw with USA. Against USA, Gareth Southgate had fielded the same starting XI that featured against Iran.
However, for England’s third match in Group B, Gareth Southgate made four changes to the side that started against USA. Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden replaced Kieran Trippier, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka in the starting XI.
Read More: Argentina Qualify For FIFA World Cup 2022 Quarter-Finals
Wayne Rooney makes starting XI admission ahead of England’s FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash
Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden impressed for England in their game against Wales. The Three Lions secured a 3-0 win over Wales, with Marcus Rashford bagging a brace and Phil Foden scoring a goal.
That leaves Gareth Southgate with a decision to make when England takes on Senegal in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Will the England manager stick with Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford in the lineup or bring back Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka?
Wayne Rooney said he would keep both Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford in the game against Senegal. But the former England international believes Gareth Southgate will leave either Phil Foden or Marcus Rashford out of the Three Lions’ starting XI.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Gareth brought back Sterling or Bukayo Saka, and maybe even both. I think he will leave either Foden or Marcus Rashford out and will be keen to use Sterling because he knows and trusts Raheem more than any of the other wide forwards,” Wayne Rooney wrote in his column for The Times ahead of England vs Senegal FIFA World Cup 2022 round of 16 clash.
“Me? I would stick with the side that beat Wales and keep Rashford and Foden in. Foden gives you better control and helps you play a lot more and you could see Rashford’s confidence grow after his goals against the Welsh. Confidence is the key with him.”
Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup 2022 round of 16 match between England and Senegal kicks off at 12:30 am Indian Standard Time, on December 5th.
Read More: Patrice Evra Names France’s Player of the Tournament So Far at Qatar 2022
