What would you do with Rooney?

[One Planer]

Tough call with Rooney.

Capable of sheer brilliance, but also abject crap.

He knows he has a poor record in big tournaments and, I feel, he's trying too hard rather than just letting his game flow.

Personally, I'd bench him (... And Welbeck) and try something a little different.

 

[richy]

Certainly can

The problem with the back line though - would you pick Jones and Smalling in there ? Without Terry or even Lescott the options at CB are very limited

Don't forget right back. That's where we're weakest at the back

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Don't forget right back. That's where we're weakest at the back

Most certainly - but again would you put Jones and Smalling at right back ?

 

[chrisd]

Certainly can

The problem with the back line though - would you pick Jones and Smalling in there ? Without TerryOR EVEN LESCOTTthe options at CB are very limited

Aggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh ! no no no no!

 

[richy]

Most certainly - but again would you put Jones and Smalling at right back ?

That like asking if you'd prefer kicked or punched in the face

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Hodgson is quoted as saying...

"We want him in the area more," said Hodgson, whose side face Uruguay on Thursday in their second Group D game. "There is no question we will get him in the box."

Which clearly means he plays on Thursday but you can't get him in the box more when he's on the left so he must be tinkering with the lineup. I can only think this means Sterling and Rooney swap positions but we'll see

 

[richy]

Loads of Man U fans saying his best seasons are when he's played as a centre forward and not as a no. 10.

 

[Deleted member 18121]

I think Rooney has no right to be in the first team, he should be dropped. Historically he disappears in big games against big teams and it was the case again on Saturday night.

If he's as world class as people believe he is then he should be able to play slightly out of position for 90 minutes.

 

[pokerjoke]

I cant understand the anti-Rooney vibe he is still a great player and is always capable of producing a bit of magic.

Actually I thought he did OK against Italy, popped up with a pin point cross that led to the goal. OK he scuffed his shot later on but he will produce if left in the team.

Very well said.
Hes a threat going forward and he is a striker who scores goals.
Rooneys not a left midfielder or left back and he should never be asked to help
out the fullback.
I think Roy will probably start with the same team.
However I would bring in Barkley for Henderson and leave Gerrard as the holding player.

 

[Deleted member 18121]

and he should never be asked to help
out the fullback.

No I in team.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I think Rooney has no right to be in the first team, he should be dropped. Historically he disappears in big games against big teams and it was the case again on Saturday night.

If he's as world class as people believe he is then he should be able to play slightly out of position for 90 minutes.

He did, and setup the goal. He's not and never has been world class, but is still very good.

 

[Liverbirdie]

I can't speak for anyone else but whatever club any player plays for has no significance when it comes to the national team.

We'll only know if a mackem plays for them, it may be some time before we can test your theory...

 

[HawkeyeMS]

No I in team.

No but if you look closely there is a 'me'

 

[richart]

Good to see that no one has voted to play him out wide. Proves Roy is not on the forum.

 

[Deleted member 1740]

Its a shame Hodgson is reverting to type and accommadating a player in a side just because of the players reputation.

Personally, drop Sturridge and play Rooney up front.

I'd also drop Welbeck.

 

[Pin-seeker]

Do we also drop Baines & Gerrard??
Both were far from impressive against Italy.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Do we also drop Baines & Gerrard??
Both were far from impressive against Italy.

Baines was exposed due to Rooneys inability to help out on the left

And Gerrard should have come off when he was tiring.

 

[c1973]

It's a tough call for your manager. I think it could be a physical contest against Uruguay and Rooney might handle that better than others.

Without a doubt Rooney is better as an out and out striker, the problem is he isn't the best one you have at the moment going by form, but he's the bigger name and that may sway any decision. If the gaffer benches Rooney and you flop against Uruguay he gets slaughtered, and if he shifts the front line around to accommodate him and he doesn't perform........well, he gets slaughtered.

Personally I think Rooney is a very good player, but his best days (I believe) are behind him, he isn't world class imo and hasn't performed on the biggest stage at international level.
I'd be using him off the bench with 20 - 30 minutes to go, if the pace and flowing football evident against Italy isn't working, stick him on and use him as a battering ram against a tired defence.

 

[Marshy77]

I'd play 442 with Rooney and Sturridge up top. Sterling and Welbeck outwide, drifting in when needed and Henderson and Gerrard sitting. Back 5 as it is and put if needed Barkley and Lambert from half time onwards if we need them.

Rooney set up the goal which is what he was out there to do, ok he didn't have a decent game but I didn't think he had a shocker either, didn't think any England player played poorly.

 

[Pin-seeker]

Surely we should be starting with players who are fit enough to last longer than 60mins