Wayne Rooney could miss out in Gareth Southgate's latest England squad
Wednesday 24 May 2017 16:33, UK
Wayne Rooney's international future hangs in the balance as England boss Gareth Southgate considers his options ahead of his latest squad announcement.
The Three Lions face Scotland and France next month and Rooney could miss out when Southgate names his squad for the two games on Thursday.
England's all-time leading goalscorer has struggled for form and fitness in recent months and has netted just eight times this season - the lowest total of his entire career at Manchester United.
Southgate is expected to select four strikers in his squad and, with Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge and Jermain Defoe all pushing for a place, Rooney could miss out - effectively ending his 14-year international career.
Premier League Golden Boot winner Kane is likely to feature in both the World Cup Qualifier against Scotland on June 10 and the June 13 friendly in France after enjoying another sensational season with Tottenham.
The 23-year-old is yet to play under Southgate after missing England's last six games with two separate ankle injuries.
Rashford's possible inclusion would rule him out of the Under-21 European Championship later this summer, although Southampton duo Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse are likely to drop back down to the Young Lions for the tournament in Poland.
Sturridge could also be included at the expense of Rooney and Defoe after returning to full fitness, although the Liverpool striker has made just 11 starts for the Reds this season.
Southgate has a number of options to choose from in goal, with Jack Butland fit again after a 12-month lay-off.
Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford could also challenge Joe Hart, Fraser Forster and Tom Heaton for a place in the Three Lions squad.
Danny Rose and Luke Shaw, however, have been ruled out of the two games, leaving Ryan Bertrand as the likeliest option at left-back.
