Steven Gerrard slams ‘disrespectful’ England fans calling for Wayne Rooney’s head
But 79 per cent of SunSport readers say skipper should NOT start in France
STEVEN GERRARD has slammed ‘disrespectful’ England fans who are calling for Wayne Rooney’s head.
Crocked skipper Roo sat out the Three Lions’ friendlies against Germany and Holland last week as Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane staked their claims for starting spots up front at Euro 2016.
Supporters on social media claimed the Manchester United man should be benched for the finals — or even left out of Roy Hodgson’s squad altogether.
And an incredible 79 PER CENT of SunSport readers said they did NOT want England’s all-time leading goalscorer to start when the tournament kicks off in June.
But former skipper Gerrard — who handed Rooney the armband when he retired from international duty in 2014 — believes fans should stay loyal the 30-year-old star.
There is an issue of respect, Rooney is still here
Gerrard, 34, said: “I get those who say Wayne has had a dip in form... he’ll be the first to admit that.
“But he is still a top class international footballer who can be the match-winner for his country in France. We need him there.
“I also think there is an issue of respect here.
“For the last 10 years Wayne has been entertaining England fans — he’s become our greatest goalscorer — and it was not that long ago there were questions about where the next Rooney was coming from.
“Well the real one is still here with plenty to offer.
“When talking about world class players at our disposal, he has been one of the shining lights for years. Now there are those who’d leave him out.
“Where is the loyalty to one of the greatest players, not just of our generation, but in English history?
“He’ll be relishing the challenge of proving he still has what it takes.”
Kane and Vardy are the Premier League’s top scorers this season — netting forty goals between them as Tottenham and Leicester have stormed to the top of the table.
The frontmen netted a sensational goal each in England’s stunning comeback win in Berlin last weekend.
While Foxes hotshot Vardy was also on target in Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to the Dutch.
And Gerrard accepts that the pair will a vital role to play if England are to have an extended stay across the channel this summer.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the former Liverpool ace added: “Jamie Vardy has to be in the squad. He proved himself in the two games, not just with his goals, but his pace is such a major asset.
“Harry Kane will be there and — as I’ve said — there should be no argument that Rooney should remain as captain.
“For others there is still work to be done.
“I want to see Daniel Sturridge finish the season injury-free and with plenty of goals.”