Wayne Rooney savages England with damning Man City comparison

Wayne Rooney compared England to a Manchester City side without the qualities that make Pep Guardiola’s side series winners.

Gareth Southgate oversaw a 1-0 win over Serbia in their opening European Championship group game, but the performance did not escape criticism and a 1-1 draw with Denmark came under more fire. There are outstanding questions to be answered as to whether Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham are all being used correctly, with a heavy midfield and a non-existent threat on the left failing to impress.

Former England and Manchester United striker Rooney suggested before the start of the tournament that Manchester City star Foden should play ahead of Bellingham in midfield rather than on the left, and he has not changed his mind after the first two games. To add to the concerns, Rooney can see City’s imprint on England, but with no training, that means every player knows exactly what they should be doing on the pitch.

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“When I see England playing in this tournament, I see Manchester City,” he wrote in the Sunday Times. “But not City who have just won four consecutive Premier League titles with their brilliant football.

“They’re like City, except the timing. And without the pressing strategy. And the width.”

As City captain Kyle Walker pointed out after the draw in Denmark, City still top their group with just one game to play before the knockout round. They can confirm qualification with a point against Slovenia and a win will secure top spot.

In the expanded 24-team tournament in the group stage, by topping their group, England will book a place in the last 16 against one of the third-placed teams that qualify from the groups.