Liverpool legend John Barnes believes Wayne Rooney should STAY in the England squad as he bemoans Three Lions’ creativity problems

Liverpool legend John Barnes believes Wayne Rooney should STAY in the England squad as he bemoans Three Lions’ creativity problems
John Barnes believes Wayne Rooney deserves to be in the England squad on merit as he bemoaned the lack of creativity in the current squad.The former Manchester United and Everton striker is set to be given a fond farewell at Wembley after 15 years of service to his country which saw him overtake Sir Bobby Charlton as the Three Lions record goalscorer.2

Wayne Rooney is England’s record goalscorer

However, his return to the national side has seen many criticise the decision by Gareth Southgate for seemingly handing out a cap to a player who did not feel he could give anymore to his country.Liverpool legend Barnes takes a different view however; agreeing that the idea of giving out caps is shameful but believing Rooney deserves to still play for his country.I love Wayne, Barnes said.I still think he was worth his place in the England squad. Im not a big fan of the idea of this game to be honest with you because I believe you should be there on merit if thats what is required.2

The 33-year-old is a DC United player these days

However, I still think he should be part of the England squad on merit. But I think now that, obviously the decision was taken a year ago or whatever I dont think you should just be giving caps away.Although I still think Wayne Rooney should be in the England squad, but not under these circumstances.The 33-year-old is currently plying his trade in MLS with DC United, leading them from the cusp of relegation to the Play-Offs in his first season.Although the forward has shown glimpses of the precocious talent who once lit up world football before he was even able to drive, the standard in America is hardly comparable to the quality in any of the top five European leagues. But Barnes believes Rooney holds the key to Englands goalscoring problems.When asked if he should remain in the squad, Barnes added: Absolutely, youve seen what he has done in America he is 100% a player who brings experience, he brings quality.I think Harry Kane would benefit from having a player like him in terms of creativity he gives. Obviously he is not going to be a [Jesse]Lingard or a [Raheem] Sterling, but if you look at Harry Kane and the lack of opportunities he is getting because we dont have a player like that who can pick a pass.Wayne Rooney for me would be the ideal partner for him.

---

Sunderland transfer news: Middlesbrough allow Grant Leadbitter to make return to boyhood club. Leadbitter, 33, spent six-and-a-half-years at the Riverside Stadium Grant Leadbitter, left, has
Grant Leadbitter seals emotional return to boyhood club

---

Arsenal have been offered Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez and could bag the 24-year-old for a cut-price £14 million. GUNNERS NEWS All the latest Arsenal transfer news and gossip
Arsenal transfer news: Denis Suarez deal CLOSE - but Gunners

---

The news of his impending move to Barcelona was confirmed by Spanish news portal Sport. It was revealed that the Spaniard will sign a contract with Barcelona in the coming weeks. The Barcelona transfer is a welcomed move for Alberto Moreno who has endured a largely frustrating spell on Merseyside for the past two seasons following the emergence

---

What time is the Europa League final? Full details for Baku

---

Premier League sides are scoring more goals per game while taking fewer shots this season. Shot-conversion rate and the percentage of attempts on target are at their highest since Opta began
Premier League sides are scoring more goals per game while

---

CHRIS SUTTON has launched a scathing attack on Craig Bellamy over comments he made about Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers. The ex-Hoops loan star said Rodgers would struggle to get another English
'Celtic RESERVES are bigger than Leicester' - Chris Sutton

---

Unai Emery press conference: Every word on Ivan Perisic transfer, Mavropanos and Cardiff City. The Gunners boss spoke at London Colney ahead of Tuesday's match
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Sergio Aguero's funny

---

Premier League gameweek 23: How the top-flight table could

---

The man who built a multi-billion dollar auto parts empire, owner of Soccer Team Fulham F.C. and owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League was now funding a Pro Wrestling company who many speculate will rival Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment brand.
Kenny Omega to Chris Jericho: Everyone signed to All Elite

---

Paris Saint-Germain could face a ban from the Champions League as a result of UEFA's latest investigation into whether they breached Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, according to reports
UEFA lifts Financial Fair Play sanctions on Manchester City

---

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been ruled out of the Europa League final after initial tests on his injury picked up against New England Revolution on Wednesday showed he has ruptured

---

RANGERS are reportedly "resigned" to missing out on signing Ryan Kent, despite Steven Gerrard having made the Liverpool winger his top transfer target for the summer.
Rangers Transfer News: Steven Gerrard keen on £5m Scottish

---

Huddersfield are investigating reports of homophobic chanting during Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Brighton. The Huddersfield Town LGBT supporters group, Proud Terriers, claimed on Sunday morning
Huddersfield investigate allegations of homophobic abuse

---

Former Blackpool chairman Owen Oyston has been removed from the board of the League One club. Oyston, who was involved in a legal wrangle with his son Karl, has also lost his place on the board of
Who is Owen Oyston, what happened in court with Valeri

---

Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City: Pep Guardiola doubts

---