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Wayne Rooney Must Make Himself Indispensable to England in Friendly vs Australia
Published: May 26, 2016
The 30-year-old made his international debut against the Socceroos back in 2003. In an otherwise drab 3-1 friendly defeat at Upton Park, the teenage striker lit up England's showing, notably helping create Francis Jeffers' goal.
The precocious star had the whole football world in front of him then. Thirteen years later, Rooney has a far narrower remit in which he can impose himself—especially when it comes to the national team.
Despite a European Championship qualifying campaign in which he scored seven goals, becoming England's all-time top scorer in the process, the veteran is no longer guaranteed a place. At least, he's not guaranteed the forward role he has primarily occupied throughout his career.
After over a decade as the team's star, previous failures in major tournaments and the emergence of others over the last year means he is now required to make himself indispensable in a different way if he is to play. If selected, this begins with Australia.
That Rooney has this chance is a start.
Manager Roy Hodgson has not forgotten Rooney's part in his team going unbeaten in qualification (not to mention his leading the way in seeing off the then-ascendant old rivals Scotland in a "friendly"). The Manchester United man has captained the side since Steven Gerrard's post-2014 World Cup retirement.
Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy have come into the mix in the latter part of this period. The early indication from the wins over Germany and Turkey is not only that they will be able to replicate their outstanding club form, but that they may also be able to do it co-exisiting in the same side.
Rooney (pictured above, back in training) was absent for those games, and at least in the public eye, has su...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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