26 May,2017 08:43 AM IST | London | PA Sport
Wayne Rooney's absence from the England squad for games against Scotland and France is perhaps the latest signal that the former captain's time in the international game is coming to an end
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney's absence from the England squad for games against Scotland and France is perhaps the latest signal that the former captain's time in the international game is coming to an end. The 31-year-old was once the darling of fans both on the international scene with England and also in the stands at Old Trafford. But, with his position as a first choice for Manchester United under serious threat, his lack of playing time for his club this season has clearly swayed the thinking of England manager Gareth Southgate.
The England boos has decided against including Rooney for the World Cup qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow on June 10 and a friendly against France in Paris three days later.
When the former England defender took over following Sam Allardyce's short-lived reign last September he made it clear Rooney remained an important part of his plans. His decision to leave Rooney out indicates he is now more in line with the thinking of United boss Jose Mourinho, who has made the striker an increasingly peripheral figure at Old Trafford this season.
