MX23RW : Wednesday, April 2 06:13:46| >> :600:158020:158020:

Rio Ferdinand: 'Wayne Rooney critics don't know what they're talking about'

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand believes that those who think Wayne Rooney should not be in England's Euro 2016 squad 'don't know what they're talking about'.

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has praised Wayne Rooney's talent and experience, adding that those who believe the current Three Lions skipper should not be at Euro 2016 'don't know what they're talking about'.

The Manchester United striker could win his 112th England cap in their first Group B game against Russia on Saturday, and his one-time club and country colleague believes that Rooney's presence in the squad will be a vital factor for many of the younger players.

Speaking in Paris, Ferdinand told reporters: "[Rooney] is invaluable. He's somebody who all the young players now will be looking to.

"There'll be moments in that tournament, whether it's in the training ground, whether it's in the hotel or on the pitch, where they'll look around and think 'who the hell can I look at to give me a bit of guidance?' - and he's that guy.

"That's why, when people were saying he shouldn't be flying over there, you don't know what you're talking about."

Seven of England's 23-man squad are aged 22 or younger, and the team is the youngest competing at Euro 2016.

ID:274560: cacheID:274560:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2054:
Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte
Restore Data
Share this article now:
England captain Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring his 52nd goal for his country during the 2-1 win over Australia at the Stadium of Light on May 27, 2016
Read Next:
Rooney: 'I don't have to defend myself'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29217169274270
2Arsenal301710355253061
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest30176750351557
4Chelsea29147853371649
5Manchester CityMan City29146955401548
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2814594738947
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29121164842647
8Fulham3012994440445
9Aston Villa2912984145-445
10Bournemouth29128948361244
11Brentford29125125045541
12Crystal Palace2810993633339
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd30107133741-437
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs291041555431234
15Everton2971393236-434
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham3097143350-1734
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves3085174158-1729
18Ipswich TownIpswich2938182862-3417
19Leicester CityLeicester2945202565-4017
20Southampton2923242170-499


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!