Defender Stones says captain Wayne's leadership is crucial for England’s stability after Allardyce's abrupt exit
England captain Wayne Rooney recently announced that the 2018 World Cup would be the final tournament of his record-breaking international career. Pic/Getty Images
London: John Stones says under-fire Wayne Rooney remains key for England in this period of change for the national team and their captain.
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Never before has the Manchester United skipper faced so much scrutiny, not only over his place in the starting line-up but his position within it. Rooney this week rejected the suggestion he is not only past his prime but past it altogether, with teammates and staff rallying around the under-fire captain.
Chris Smalling believes he remains the "main man" for club and country, while Gareth Southgate confirmed he would remain captain during his four-match stint at the England helm. The interim manager is keen for continuity during these turbulent times, with Stones saying experience like Rooney's is "massive" in the wake of Sam Allardyce's exit.
John Stones
"Yeah, definitely," the centre-back said when asked if Rooney was England's key man. "He has been over the years and every player goes through their up and down patches. Wayne's always fully focused when he comes here and, as I say, a key player, as is everyone in my eyes in the squad.
"I think you could see that from the last game, when we scored late, how much it meant not just on the pitch but off the pitch. "We watched it back and the bench all celebrated, the staff included, which I think shows a great unity about the team."
England are looking to follow up that 1-0 victory in Slovakia by winning in Slovenia following Saturday's home clash with Malta as qualification for the 2018 World Cup continues. Rooney recently said that it would be the final tournament of his record-breaking international career.
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