Andy Sinton: Rooney can be star man
Former AFC Telford United manager and retired England international Andy Sinton is backing Wayne Rooney to 'do some damage' for England at the World Cup ahead of tonight's clash with Italy.
Brazil 2014 has been preceded by criticism in some quarters – including Rooney's old Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes – suggesting his best was past and even his place in the starting XI could be in danger.
But asked if Rooney should start against the Italians in England's Group D curtain-raiser, Sinton said: "I think so .
"I keep reading lots of things about Wayne, but he's arguably one of England's best players,
"He hasn't quite shown it of late but he has just come off the back of a really good season for Manchester United. I think it is important to realise that in a disappointing season for them, he was probably the shining light.
"I think he's got himself in shape and if we can get Wayne Rooney somewhere near his best he's a player that can do some damage."
But Sinton, who earned 12 caps for England in a 24-year playing career which included spells at Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves, would pick Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling over Rooney's United team-mate Danny Welbeck out wide.
Asked if Welbeck should start against the Italians in Manaus this evening (11pm kick-off), he said: "If I was a manager and I had choice between Welbeck and Sterling, I'd probably go with Sterling
"Danny has done well for England when he has played but will he get the goals that are going to shoot us to glory? I am not quite sure.
"He has never let England down but if I was picking a side I'd probably throw young Sterling in for his energy. He's got no fear and could be a surprise package if you like."
Regardless of who makes Roy Hodgson's starting XI, Sinton expects a very tight game, but he is backing England to qualify for the knockout stages.
He said: "Italy are a good side that always does well in tournaments.
"They know how the win games but they are maybe not the prettiest on the eye.
"I see it being really tight with one goal maybe deciding it. If I was a betting man I'd probably go with a draw.
"But it is all about getting out of the group. It is going to be tough but not impossible and I am going to back the boys to do it."
