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Wayne Rooney left out of England squad for World Cup qualifier

Wayne Rooney will play no part in England's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland an...



Wayne Rooney left out of Engla...
Soccer

Wayne Rooney left out of England squad for World Cup qualifier

Wayne Rooney will play no part in England's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland and friendly against France after he was left out of Thursday's squad announcement.

Rooney, England's record goalscorer, was tipped to be left out of the panel over the past week, with some reports claiming that England manager Gareth Southgate is beginning to phase him out of the squad entirely.

Doubts remain over the 31-year-old's future with Manchester United. Wednesday night's Europa League cameo may have been his last in a United shirt, with reports continuing to link him with a move to China.

Southgate has opted to put his trust in youth, with Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford included in the 25-man.

"He’s in the senior squad on merit, and has been for a year," Southgate said of the decision to include the 19-year-old.

"He had one game with the U21s when I was there in September and he was outstanding that day, but he’s not really been a part of the U21 squad. His performances warrant him being in the senior squad."

He added: "His mentality has been excellent and his performances have been very, very good. It would be inconceivable not to put him in the senior squad."

The Premier League's Golden Boot winner for the last two years, Harry Kane, is drafted into the squad, as is Leicester City's Jamie Vardy.

One notable inclusion was 35-year-old Jermain Defoe, who looks set for a move to Bournemouth this summer. He was recalled into the England squad against Lithuania earlier this year and scored upon his return.

Southgate has also included four goalkeepers in his panel - Manchester City and Torino stopper, Joe Hart, Southampton's Fraser Forster, Burnley's Tom Heaton and there's a welcome return for Stoke City's Jack Butland.

Butland missed out on last year's European Championships in France after suffering a knee injury during a friendly with Germany before the tournament. 

Five Tottenham players make the team after finishing second in the Premier League - Kyle Walker, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Kieran Trippier and Kane all make the cut. 

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