Rooney should be left alone, says Welbeck

BEN STANSALL / AFP

England forward Danny Welbeck said on Monday that his club and international team-mate Wayne Rooney was perfectly capable of operating on the left flank at the World Cup.

Rooney started on the left in England's opening 2-1 loss to Group D rivals Italy in Manaus on Saturday, but despite setting up a goal for Daniel Sturridge, his performance attracted criticism.

Pundits including former England players Alan Shearer and Paul Scholes have called for Rooney to be restored to his preferred central role, but Welbeck believes that his Manchester United team-mate can be just as effective in a wide position.

"I think first and foremost, Wayne Rooney is a class player wherever he's playing and can make a massive impact," Welbeck told a press conference at England's training base beside Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

"All the forward players at England have the flexibility to move in and around and interchange positions.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-17

Rooney should be left on the bench.

He's no different to any other England player, tries hard, but fails miserably.

I agree. He should be left alone in his room while the rest go and try and win a football match.