Monday 10 October 2016 20:51, UK
Interim England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will not start against Slovenia on Tuesday night.
Southgate says the decision was based on how Slovenia are expected to play and not a reflection on how Rooney performed during Saturday's 2-0 win over Malta.
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will captain England on the night in the absence of Rooney, who was booed on a couple of occasions by a small section of the home support on Saturday.
Southgate says Rooney has accepted his demotion to the bench with great professionalism and that England's all-time leading goal scorer will remain the captain of the side.
"It's very straightforward," said Southgate. "We've looked at Slovenia and the way they play and, from when I looked at it, I've had in my mind the profile of the midfield that we wanted to play.
"In no way is it a reflection on his performance on Saturday. In fact we were very pleased with what he did.
"He's still captain of this team while I'm in charge.
"Everything I have seen this week has only improved the feeling of how impressive he has been as a leader of this group.
"Not only did he accept the news with professionalism but he immediately said he wanted to talk to you [the media] today.
"I go back to what I've witnessed at St George's Park over the last three years, from afar. That has only been embellished by what I've witnessed this week.
"There's a depth to his leadership that unfortunately people outside of the group wouldn't be aware of.
"He's almost like a coach within the dressing room already and that's a compliment to his football intelligence and what's right for the group.
"It is a football decision. It's based on the profile of the opposition and the type of player we believe we need for this game.
"On a human level, it's a very difficult decision. I don't like the idea that it might bring satisfaction to some people that he's not in the team.
"I'm probably more annoyed about that than he is. He's had to live with that reaction through his career."
Tottenham's Eric Dier will come into the starting line-up to replace Rooney and Southgate added: "Eric Dier will start and its clear they are two different sorts of player.
"We are away from home and we need different skills for a different tactical challenge. As a coach, you've got to look at the right set-up."
Henderson played well against Malta and Southgate thinks he will rise to the challenge of leading the side.
"I've been very impressed with him," said the interim boss.
"What's stood out for me is that he's captained a club [Liverpool] where he's had to take over from one of the biggest players in English football [Steven Gerrard].
"In this group he has a voice, an opinion, and ideas of what we need to work on, and good tactical awareness. He's used to the responsibility of captaining a big football club."
