World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 39,800

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 14, 2014 at 11pm UK

England
1-2
Italy

Sturridge (37')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Marchisio (35'), Balotelli (50')

Michael Owen: 'Dropping Wayne Rooney is not an option'

By Joe Fish, Reporter

Published: June 12 2014 | 14:42

Last updated: June 13 2014 | 09:06

England legend Michael Owen stresses that dropping former teammate Wayne Rooney for the opening World Cup game against Italy on Saturday is "not an option".

Former England striker Michael Owen has dismissed any suggestions of benching Wayne Rooney for the 2014 World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday.

The Manchester United forward's place in the Three Lions XI has been questioned by some who would like to see England's younger stars given a chance.

However, Owen, who used to partner Rooney up front for his country, has claimed that Daniel Sturridge is more dispensable if Roy Hodgson wanted to make room for Raheem Sterling or Ross Barkley in his team.

He wrote on sport social network Sportlobster: "Dropping Rooney for the opening match isn't an option.

"Therefore, I considered sacrificing Sturridge to include the width and pace of Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana. However, Sturridge's goal against Peru and his current confidence has tipped the balance in his favour.

"Whoever Roy Hodgson selects for his opening match of the 2014 World Cup, I just hope they continue to play as they have for their clubs."

Owen is England's fourth leading goalscorer of all time, having netted 40 times in 89 international appearances, while Rooney is only one goal behind, having played 92 games since debuting in 2003.