'It shows the importance of experienced players'

'It shows the importance of experienced players'

The experience of players like Harry Maguire, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford could have made a difference for England at Euro 2024, says former Three Lions striker Wayne Rooney.

Defender Maguire was not selected by manager Gareth Southgate because of injury, while Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford and fellow forward Jack Grealish of Manchester City failed to make the final cut.

However, England have received criticism for some lacklustre performances in Germany, despite finishing top of their group with five points.

"When Gareth named the squad, 95% of fans, pundits and journalists were delighted with it," Rooney told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"I was one of the only ones who was a bit concerned with the lack of experience.

"People have been crying out for Gareth to leave Harry Maguire out of the squad, to leave certain players out of the squad and bring in players who are doing well for their clubs.

"But sometimes you need that experience. Grealish and Rashford haven't had the best of seasons but would they make a little bit of a difference?

"It shows the importance of experienced players and players who have done well for England in the past."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds