Wayne Rooney savages England with damning Man City comparison

Wayne Rooney compared England to a Manchester City side without the qualities that make Pep Guardiola's side serial winners.

Gareth Southgate oversaw a 1-0 win over Serbia in the opening group game of the European Championship but the performance did not escape criticism and a 1-1 draw with Denmark has seen more criticism. There are outstanding questions that must be answered over whether Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham are all being used correctly with a clunky midfield and non-existent threat on the left side failing to impress.

Former England and Manchester United forward Rooney had suggested before the tournament started that Manchester City star Foden should play ahead of Bellingham in midfield rather than out on the left, and has not changed his mind after the opening two games. To add to concerns, Rooney can see the imprint of the City side on England but without the coaching that means every player knows exactly what they are supposed to be doing on the pitch.

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"Watching England play at this tournament I see Manchester City," he wrote in the Sunday Times. "But not the City who have just reeled off four consecutive Premier League titles with their brilliant football.

"They're like City, except without the timing. And without the pressing strategy. And the width."

As City captain Kyle Walker pointed out after the Denmark draw, City do still sit top of their group with just one match to play before the knockout round. They can confirm qualification with a point against Slovenia, and a win will secure first place.

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