Wayne Rooney, who is currently recuperating from a knee injury, faces stiff competition from the likes of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy for his place in England’s starting lineup.
Wayne Rooney has been a consistent goalscorer for England and Manchester United over the past decade and has been the undisputed first-choice for the Three Lions’ striker’s position in this period.
However, the England captain has stiff competition ahead of the 2016 Euros in France this summer. Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane have spearheaded the rise of their respective clubs in the Premier League and their domestic form simply cannot be ignored.
Rooney recently spoke out about the competition for places in the Three Lions’ setup, saying that he was more excited than worried by it.
“I don’t think of it in terms of needing to fight for my place,” said the 30-year-old forward, according to the Guardian.
“I think it is exciting. In previous tournaments, if everyone is fit, more or less the team is set. But now, no one knows what is going to happen. The manager can play three or four teams with different combinations if he wants, because I really believe we have got that quality. It is an opportunity for us to do really well in the summer.
“Obviously, the decision is down to Roy Hodgson, but I want to be there, involved and trying to help and hopefully leading the team to success.”
Can Rooney compete with Kane and Vardy?
Harry Kane is the Premier League’s top goalscorer this season despite his slow start to the campaign. His 21 goals have taken Spurs to second in the Premier League and have made the North London side strong contenders to win their first league title in over 40 years.
Similarly, Jamie Vardy has scored 19 goals for Leicester City and even broken a Premier League record this season, scoring in 11 consecutive games for the Foxes. He is second only to Kane on the goalscoring charts, while the Foxes are on course to claim a historic Premier League triumph.
In contrast, Rooney has just seven league goals to his name and Manchester United are struggling to even break into the top four. Domestic form puts Kane and Vardy ahead of the England captain, but the latter’s experience and influence on the team might see him picked in the starting eleven by Roy Hodgson.