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Rooney fires shot back at critics

England striker only interested in Hodgson‘s opinion

by Our Sports Desk

Wayne Rooney could not care less about the critics who say he should be dropped from the England team.

Rooney’s place in Roy Hodgson’s starting 11 has been called into question over the last week due to a lack of fitness and the striker’s poor showing against Peru last Friday.

The Manchester United forward gave the perfect riposte to his detractors by impressing in the 2-2 draw against Ecuador at Sun Life Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite being played out of position on the left flank Rooney put in a dynamic display and caused Ecuador problems with his pace — he also scored to cancel out Enner Valencia’s opener.

Paul Scholes and Gary Lineker appeared to harbour doubts about whether Rooney should be a part of Roy Hodgson’s first 11 in Brazil but the Manchester United star does not care one bit.

“I am not really interested,” Rooney said when asked about claims he should be dropped.

“A lot of people have their opinions — but I listen to the people around me and in the coaching set-up.

“I don’t listen to people outside of the set-up really so anyone, journalists can say what they want. I have got no interest in listening to them.”

Ever since Rooney burst onto the scene with a series of impressive displays at Euro 2004, he has been bulletproof.

But with Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley all heading to Brazil in form, Rooney no longer commands a guaranteed first-team slot, as the player acknowledges himself.

“I don’t think anyone is guaranteed a start in the team,” the United forward said. “It is down to the manager to pick the team.

“I think all (the young players) are (pushing Roy for a start).

“It is a good squad the manager is picking his team from so the manager will have some tough decisions I am sure and that is down to him to do.”

Little skill was required for Rooney to tap in from one yard after Maximo Banguera had spilled Rickie Lambert’s shot.

But the former Everton man showed tremendous skill throughout his 65-minute run-out.

And given that he is still recovering from the groin injury that kept him out of United’s final three matches of the season, Rooney was happy with his performance.

“I feel good. Obviously, I need minutes so I was happy to get them on Wednesday,” he said.

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