One of the burning questions heading into England’s game against Uruguay, is should Rooney start? It’s a question that divides many fans opinions. And if Roy Hodgson already had a headache about selecting Rooney he may just have a greater one now with the return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the 20 year old had a stormer in the friendly against Ecuador before the start of the World Cup, where he terrorised the Ecuadorian defence with his petrifying pace.
Defenders hate playing against players who run at them with pace, England has the ability to field two of these types of players in both Sterling & Chamberlain. These two would scare the living daylight out of the Uruguay defence, who themselves are not known to be the quickest.
Latest reports suggest Thursday has come too soon for Chamberlain who is still recovering from his knee injury; it seems more likely we’ll see him come on as an impact sub, which may still make the difference for England.
If Chamberlain does however defy the odds where would he start? Would he start in Rooney’s position on the left? If he does where would Rooney start? For many Rooney should have never started on the left wing in the first place, they argue he should start in his preferred number 10 role with Sterling and Chamberlain playing out wide. Leaving Welbeck on bench. However it is well known Hodgson is a big Danny Welbeck fan despite his lack of chances for Manchester United this season. And his performance against Italy will likely see him keep his place.
Leaving the England manager with much to think about over the coming days.
Chamberlain has 15 Caps for England with 3 goals; the Arsenal man has made just 14 premier league appearances this season due to injury. By logic that should make him one of the freshest players in the England squad when he recovers from injury.
Roy Hodgson will be holding his card close to his chest, he’ll be hoping to keep the Uruguayans guessing with his team selection, though in the end England might end up fielding the same 11 that started against Italy, much depend on how Chamberlain has recovered.
Wayne Rooney or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who should start for England on Thursday evening?