Wayne Rooney to be dropped for England’s World Cup qualifier against Slovenia

It’s been a difficult few weeks for Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United captain has come in for widespread criticism for his performances this season, with many observers feeling that his best days are three or four years behind him.

And Red Devils boss José Mourinho bowed to fan pressure recently, dropping Rooney to the bench for the 4-1 victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford; the 30-year-old hasn’t gotten back into the starting line-up since.

And now it seems that Rooney is set to suffer the same fate at international level, with multiple media outlets reporting that the England skipper and all-time leading scorer will be dropped for tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.

Caretaker England manager Gareth Southgate initially stood by Rooney amid recent criticism and started the former Everton star against Malta at Wembley at the weekend.

But the Three Lions produced a lacklustre display on their way to a 2-0 win, with Rooney particularly off the pace in his favoured midfield role.

Rooney is due to face the press this evening ahead of tomorrow’s game, and will almost certainly have to field questions about having reportedly lost his place in the side.