Wayne Rooney's England inclusion undermines Gareth Southgate, says Alyson Rudd
"We're supposed to be building for success in a ruthless manner."
Sunday 11 November 2018 12:30, UK
Wayne Rooney's inclusion in the England squad undermines Gareth Southgate, says Alyson Rudd of The Times.
Rooney is coming out of international retirement to make a one-off return to the England team when they play USA this week at Wembley Stadium.
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The former Everton and Manchester United striker has scored 12 goals in Major League Soccer at D.C. United, but Southgate has confirmed he will not start in Thursday's international friendly. The 33-year-old will win his 120th cap for his country if he does come off the bench.
Rooney's call-up was debated on the Sunday Supplement and Rudd feels his reintroduction to the squad is unnecessary.
"We're supposed to be building for success in a ruthless manner," she told the panel.
"He's got 119 caps and that's a lot. Be happy for him. We don't need to make it a round number.
"He can turn up to Wembley if he wants and promote his charity and do some keepy-uppies at half-time and maybe do a few jokes to get people to put their hands in their pockets. I do not see why it is necessary for him to come out on the pitch.
"I think it undermines the atmosphere that Southgate is trying to create."
The Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke, who was also on the panel, disagrees with Rudd and thinks Rooney's call-up is an innovative strategy from Southgate and the FA.
"I think it is a good idea," he said. "I think it's a great way of honouring Rooney's international career and a great way of bringing attention to the Wayne Rooney foundation.
"Maybe it could have been handled better and sold better to people. The fact the news only came out last weekend suggests it may have only been thought up quite recently. The FA only made their final decision a few days before then apparently.
"We shouldn't allow issues that we might have with the communication strategy to get away from the fact that it's a good idea. It's a great idea and to be honest I'm surprised by how critical people have been over the course of the last week."
