Wayne Rooney names England XI he’d pick vs Wales

Wayne Rooney has named the England XI that he would select to face Wales in the third and final round of 2022 World Cup group games this week.

England’s all-time record goalscorer, who currently manages DC United, wants to see Manchester City’s Phil Foden in Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up.

He also believes Harry Kane should be benched ahead of the knockout stages.

England have not secured qualification just yet, but it’s extremely likely that they will reach the Round of 16 after picking up four points from their opening games against Iran (6-2 win) and United States (0-0 draw).

The Three Lions, who reached the Euro 2020 final, could still be eliminated if Wales beat them by four clear goals on Tuesday night.

Rooney: England have to play Foden

Southgate was widely criticised for leaving Foden, one of England’s most gifted footballers, on the bench.

Rooney believes Foden has to start on England’s left-hand side against Wales.

Wayne Rooney at a recent event — MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Wayne Rooney attends the "Rooney" World Premiere at Home on February 09, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Wayne Rooney attends the "Rooney" World Premiere at Home on February 09, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)

The Manchester United legend wrote in his latest column for The Times, per The Sun: “I found it very strange that Foden did not come on as a substitute against the USA, and as I wrote in these pages before the tournament, he would be a key part of my starting XI if I were the England boss. Technically, he is the best footballer England have.

"He creates chances, he scores goals, he influences games and he gives you control.

"In possession, he always keeps hold of the ball and normally makes the right choices, and out of possession he can get at players as well. He is fast, competitive and good at pressing the opposition.

Rooney wants to see Foden start vs Wales

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 21: Phil Foden of England controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

"I think if you have a talent like Foden, you simply have to play him. He is now a different player from the one we saw at Euro 2020, when he struggled to make an impact.

"He is more mature and came into this tournament on the back of a long period of brilliant performances for Manchester City. He has the form to go with the ability.

"If I were him, I would be very frustrated that I didn’t get on the pitch at any stage of Friday’s game."

AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: Phil Foden of England reacts in the dugout prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and USA at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Rooney would bench Harry Kane

Rooney would also have Callum Wilson leading the line instead of Kane, who looked a little sluggish against USA.

"The other big change I would make for the Wales match would be to rest Harry Kane,” Rooney added.

"Against the USA, he looked like he may have been suffering the effects of a heavy knock he took in the Iran game.

"It was from a tackle in the second half and in that match I felt that Gareth should have considered taking him off at half-time.

"England were leading 3-0, the game was already won and Harry is our most important player.

"When there are opportunities to protect him and help him stay fit, I believe Gareth should take them — and that is why I would keep Harry on the bench against Wales."

AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: Harry Kane of England in action during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and USA at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

What else would Rooney do for the Wales game?

Rooney would have Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling competing for a place on the right wing.

He would also drop Mason Mount and play Kalvin Phillips, provided the Manchester City midfielder is fit enough, or Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson.

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Kalvin Phillips of England reacts during the England Training Session at Al Wakrah Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Rooney feels a midfield two of Phillips and Declan Rice would allow Jude Bellingham to play further forward, in the No. 10 role.

In terms of defence, he would stick with the same back four (Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw) and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.