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16th Mar 2017

Wayne Rooney omitted from England squad, and many reckon it can only mean one thing

Inevitable reaction

Robert Redmond

Wayne Rooney has been left out of England’s squad for the upcoming games against Germany and Lithuania.

Rooney lost his starting place for Manchester United last September, and has been out of the squad recently due to injury.

It appears his lack of playing time at club level has hurt his international career.

The 31-year-old may be still England captain, but he’s not in their latest squad, and Jake Livermore is. That has to make Rooney evaluate his current predicament.

England manager Gareth Southgate played down Rooney’s absence from his squad. It appears as though it was a straight forward decision, even though the forward could be fit for this weekend’s game against Middlesbrough.

“I’ve talked with Wayne and I think there’s a chance he’s fit for the weekend,” Southgate told reporters on Thursday.

“But also, the injury, coupled with the fact he’s really not had a lot of game time recently, and others have in that area of the pitch, has sort of determined my decision on that one.”

Rooney has started just four games in 2017. However, his United teammate Luke Shaw, has played just twice since November, and he’s in the England squad.

So, it could be argued Rooney’s absence isn’t solely down to a lack of playing time, and this is a sign he’s not in Southgate’s plans.

That appears to be view of many on social media, who reckon Rooney’s time in an England jersey could be coming to an end.