World Cup

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Attendance: 62,575

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 19, 2014 at 8pm UK

Uruguay
2-1
England

Suarez (39', 85')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Rooney (75')

Alan Shearer: 'Play Wayne Rooney central or not at all'

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter

Published: June 16 2014 | 05:03

Last updated: June 18 2014 | 13:52

Former England striker Alan Shearer believes that Wayne Rooney has to play in a central role for the Three Lions against Uruguay, or not at all.

Former England striker Alan Shearer has insisted that Wayne Rooney has to play in a central role in the Three Lions' clash against Uruguay, or not at all.

The 28-year-old was widely criticised for his display in Roy Hodgson's side's defeat to Italy in their World Cup opener as he struggled to get into the game on left flank.

Shearer is adamant that he has to play alongside or behind Daniel Sturridge in order to get the best out of him and to benefit the team.

He wrote in his column for BBC Sport: "If Wayne Rooney does not play in the number 10 position behind Daniel Sturridge in England's next World Cup game against Uruguay on Thursday, then I would not play him at all.

"I definitely would not pick Rooney on the left or the right of midfield, which is where he played in England's defeat by Italy in their opening game in Group D on Saturday.

"Yes, he made Sturridge's goal and he did his best for the team, but being wide is not his best position. England have got other players who are more effective there."

England face Uruguay in their second Group D clash on Thursday.