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Ian Wright: 'Wayne Rooney should enjoy England freedom'

Wright: 'Rooney should enjoy England freedom'
© PA Photos
Ex-England striker Ian Wright urges Wayne Rooney to forget speculation over his future and enjoy playing for the Three Lions this week.

Former England striker Ian Wright believes that Wayne Rooney should use this week's international friendlies to remind supporters of his qualities in the final third and enjoy the chance to play.

Rooney should start his first game in a month tomorrow night as England begin a friendly double-header against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.

Wright has urged Rooney to use the internationals as a chance to regain confidence as speculation persists over his future at Manchester United.

He told The Sun: "When Wayne Rooney turns his sights to Ireland and Brazil this week, he'll feel like a kid in a sweetshop.

"All the pressure he has been under off the pitch will disappear the minute that whistle goes. He will be delighted to be in the England camp, a chance to feel the love as it were, and to get back to doing what he does better than most, playing football.

"As players, the loudest statement you can make is out on the pitch. I tell you now, I'd love nothing better than to see him have a truly stellar game, to say, 'I might be having a rough time of it but here's what I can do'. I wouldn't bet against him either."

The 27-year-old has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea in recent weeks after reportedly asking to leave United, a claim he vehemently denies.

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Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
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Q Italy Italy31114
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