Gareth Southgate has recently hinted Wayne Rooney still have a big part to play for England all the while he's in charge.
He's certainly suggested the Manchester United man will be selected shortly when he announces his squad for the World Cup qualifier with Scotland and the friendly with Spain, which are technically Southgate's final in caretaker charge of England.
Despite his lack of starts at club level, when fit, and being left out of the starting XI against Slovenia in the last qualifier Southgate's told the BBC he's still 'hugely influential' when it comes to England and his part to play:
'He's the England captain and, although he didn't start in Slovenia, to me he is a hugely influential figure in that group and that won't change. I thought his leadership qualities in the 10 days with us shone through. I could see how he's held in the eyes of the rest of the players and the positive influence he has in that environment.'
Asked on Rooney's involvement for the qualifier with Scotland on Friday 11th November then Spain friendly on Wednesday 15th November to follow he added:
'Let's see what that scenario is. I haven't spoken to him since the camp but I'm always conscious players are back into a run of fixtures with their clubs. I will pick up with him and the others later.'
Unless the 31-year-old suddenly finds himself in the Man United team under Jose Mourinho ahead of Southgate's (potentially final) squad selection many would argue against his squad involvement let alone starting chances...
I retain my thoughts he's got a part to play for England but if this is a starter I'm not so sure, in fact I know I'm not!
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