Rio Ferdinand has told those who have suggested that Wayne Rooney should be dropped by England manager Roy Hodgson to "leave off".
Following a poor performance against Peru, the clamour grew for Rooney's place in the side to be handed to somebody else.
However, his former Manchester United teammate Ferdinand took to Twitter this afternoon to back the 28-year-old.
Am I hearing/seeing people debate whether @WayneRooney should play or not for England?? Leave off!!
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 4, 2014
Play him up top & let the young lads run off him. Best position is up top no.9. Drop him though hahahaha!
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 4, 2014
Ahead of this summer's World Cup in Brazil, Rooney is yet to score in either of his previous two appearances at the tournament.