WAYNE ROONEY believes England have the BEST squad at the World Cup – but he is worried their centre-backs could cost them.
The DC United manager, 37, is the all-time top scorer for the Three Lions with 53 goals.
He was part of England’s famous Golden Generation that failed to deliver on their promise by delivering a trophy on the international stage.
Rooney played at three World Cup tournaments and recognises that the current crop of stars have achieved a lot more over recent years than he and his former star-studded team-mates did.
And he is adamant that despite other nations having a host of iconic names themselves, it is Gareth Southgate that possesses the best squad out in Qatar.
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However, while speaking to The Times, the ex-Manchester United and Everton forward admitted his fears over the backline.
Rooney said: “England have one of, if not the strongest squads. Full backs, midfielders, attacking players — there is strength right across the board.
“The only area that is not as strong as some of the other nations is the centre backs. “Previously we have had the likes of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry who were world class.
“When you look at Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka we’ve got to choose from, it’s as good as we’ve had.”
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Despite those doubts over defence, Rooney did reveal his eagerness over seeing two of them perform in the Middle East.
He added: “I’m really intrigued to see what Gareth Southgate does with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Personally, I would start him.
“I think Harry Maguire will have another big tournament. He has performed better for England than he has for United — I think he would agree — and over the last couple of years United have struggled.
“He hasn’t had much protection and it is no coincidence that now there is more stability in the middle of the pitch with Casemiro, United’s defenders are playing better.
“With England, he has always had that protection.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
