World Cup

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World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage

Oct 11, 2016 at 7.45pm UK

Slovenia
0-0
England

Jan Oblak: 'Wayne Rooney still England's main man'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 09 October 2016

Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak claims that Wayne Rooney is still England's best player despite the criticism currently surrounding the Three Lions captain.

Wayne Rooney is still England's "key player" despite a host of criticism over the skipper's recent form, according to Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Rooney has lost his spot in the Manchester United XI in recent weeks, but was included in Gareth Southgate's team for England's 2-0 win over Malta in Saturday's Group F 2018 World Cup qualification match.

The 30-year-old is also expected to start against Slovenia on Tuesday night and Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Oblak has denied suggestions that the forward-turned-midfielder is a spent force.

"Rooney is a worldwide star and he is always very important for England's game. He is the key player we must stop," Oblak told reporters. "I don't fear any of the England players, but they have some quality players in attack. That is their best area right now.

"The match against England is very important for us, even though it is only in the third round of matches for our group. We failed in Lithuania and we have to beat England if we want to maintain our hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

"We need to put them under pressure and make it a total battle from the first moment. We need to make them uncomfortable on the pitch, so I don't expect a beautiful game. England are always a tricky team to play against."

Rooney was roundly booed by England supporters during the Malta match, which led to interim boss Southgate defending the Three Lions skipper.