England interim manager Gareth Southgate has hinted that he will pick Wayne Rooney for the next round of international matches, even if the Manchester United player continues to sit on the bench.
The 31-year-old, who missed Sunday's 4-0 defeat to Chelsea due to an injury, has failed to earn a starting spot in United's last four Premier League games.
Rooney also started on the bench under Southgate in England's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia, which ended in a goalless draw earlier this month.
Despite Rooney's failure to keep a first-team spot, Southgate has indicated that the Three Lions captain will be included in squads to play Scotland in a World Cup qualifier and a friendly with Spain.
"He's the England captain and although he didn't start in Slovenia, to me he is a hugely influential person in that group and that won't change," Sky Sports News quotes Southgate as saying. "Let's see what that scenario is but I thought his leadership qualities in the 10 days with us shone through. I hadn't been able to see that first hand and it was hugely impressive.
"I could see how he's held in the eyes of the rest of the players and the positive influence he has in that environment. If that wasn't the case I wouldn't say those things. That's as it was.
"I haven't spoken to him since the camp but I'm always conscious players are back into a run of fixtures with their clubs, but I will pick up with him and the others later."
Rooney has scored just once for club and country this season.
Danielle Joynson
