Matt Le Tissier claims Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney has “done enough” to start for England

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Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has called for Ross Barkley to replace Wayne Rooney at the World Cup, if the United man does not produce the goods.

Rooney has come under scrutiny for his role in the England team, with many believing he should not be a guaranteed starter against Italy in England’s World Cup opener against Italy next week.

The Manchester United striker has failed to recreate his club form on the international stage for England in recent years and the home faithful are finally starting to take notice. A number of fans and pundits want Rooney dropped for England’s opening game against Italy, however, Le Tissier believes he should only be replaced if he has a ‘stinker’.

Le Tissier believes Man United’s Rooney, who was backed Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to shine in Brazil, needs to come up with a good performance this summer.

Le Tissier told reporters: “If Rooney has two or three stinkers and Ross Barkley comes on as a sub and does the business in that position, then the manager has to make a big decision.

“You have to play players who are in form and if he’s looking more dangerous than Wayne then Roy [Hodgson] has a decision to make.

“I’m not saying he [Rooney] has a divine right to start every game, I’m just saying at the start of the tournament I think he’s done enough to start this game.”