Wayne Rooney claims ‘unhinged’ England missed out on Harry Maguire in friendly defeat to Iceland… after the Man United centre-back was left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

Wayne Rooney claimed England missed out on Harry Maguire in Friday night’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Iceland.

Maguire, who has 63 caps, was not included in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 – which starts next Friday – due to a calf injury.

Rooney claimed England’s backline was “disjointed” at Wembley and expressed his belief that Manchester United defender Maguire could have made a major difference had he been fit.

Speaking on Channel 4, Rooney said: “Tonight the back line was a bit disjointed at times and that’s because of the lack of experience.

“I’m sure Gareth and the coaches will show them, you have to get it right because we are so excited about the attacking players we have, they have to be supported by the back line and be aggressive. .

“I think tonight really shows the importance of Harry Maguire to this England team and what a big loss he is to this team.”

Maguire has previously received criticism for his performances, particularly at club level, but has often been a hugely important player for Southgate.

John Stones started alongside Marc Guehi against Iceland, but the Manchester City centre-back had to be substituted at half-time through injury, with Ezri Konsa replacing him.

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England can also call on Joe Gomez, but there are concerns about the Three Lions’ options at centre-back, especially as Jarrad Branthwaite has been left out of the final squad.

Rooney also bemoaned the fact that England did not move the ball quickly enough to find players like Anthony Gordon.

He said: “England didn’t move the ball quickly enough from side to side to get players like Anthony Gordon enough one-v-one. The result isn’t the most important thing tonight, it’s about the players getting experience. They must learn from tonight’s game.

Despite the defeat, Rooney remained confident that England have a chance of winning Euro 2024.

He said: “It’s a very exciting team, they’ve certainly got players and firepower. I hope the backline is strong, that’s my only concern. But I think we have more than enough to go and take teams outright and if we do that we have a great chance.

Meanwhile, Joe Cole has backed England to perform significantly better when the real action begins.

Cole said: “I know there were some boos after the game, this team is used to giving us performances and wins. But go, you have a few days with your family and the tour starts when you get on that plane.

“There are a few things to brush up on, but overall we’re ready and we’ll be fine.

“It’s disappointing but you have to give the players some freedom. They will be ready. This team has shown that in previous tournaments, so we have to trust them and believe in them.’