Football
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Wayne Rooney shouldn't start for England at 2016 Euro - Le Tissier

Matt Le Tissier has claimed England captain Wayne Rooney does not warrant a place in the starting lineup at this summer's European Championship.

Rooney has endured a tough season at Manchester United and will miss England's forthcoming friendlies against Germany and Holland through injury

And former Southampton and England forward Le Tissier says that on current form he would not pick him when the tournament kicks off in France.

"Not at the moment, based on form,'' Le Tissier said. "You also have to take into consideration the fact that when he's been injured he's not been great at coming back and hitting form straight away.

"The spell he's been out now is starting to be a little bit extended and you have to wonder what form he will be in. At the moment, based on what I've seen this season, I wouldn't say that he does get in the side.

"But obviously Roy Hodgson is very loyal to his players, he is his captain. In my world he probably wouldn't play but in Roy's world, if he's fit, I think he'll play.

"I'd have him in the squad but he wouldn't make the starting XI.''

Harry Kane is expected to start up front in Berlin on Saturday and Le Tissier feels his Tottenham teammate Dele Alli will also feature prominently.

Le Tissier is excited by that partnership and has urged England to play to their strengths in France.

"I like the fact we've got some talented forwards in good form this season,'' he added. "I think that's the strongest area of our team, which has not always been said about the England team over the last few years.

"It would be nice if we went out and tried to win matches rather than going out trying not to lose. Kane and Alli are fantastic together. As manager of the national side Roy's probably looking at that and that will help Alli's case.

"The fact that their relationship this season has gone from strength to strength could tip it in his favour.''

Meanwhile, Everton captain Phil Jagielka hopes to force his way back into England reckoning despite believing Hodgson has already settled on three of his back four.

The 33-year-old centre-back's last international appearance was in the Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Lithuania in October.

Shortly afterwards injury sidelined him for more than two months, meaning he missed England's two friendlies against France and Spain.

He has been recalled for the forthcoming games against Germany and Holland, but accepts he has a fight on his hands to win back a starting place before this summer's tournament.

"We will find out more in these two games, if not the three before the finals,'' said Jagielka. "You would have to ask Roy [but] it looks like you have probably got Nathaniel Clyne, Gaz (Gary Cahill), Chris (Smalling) and a left-back.

"That is probably the starting back four with Joe [Hart] in goal. Obviously John [Stones] is looking to get back in there as well but I've got to think I have a chance.

"I am not going there to wash people's boots and clean the kit. I am going there to try to get a game. I am not sure where I stand exactly. Obviously I missed the last trip.

"I will go there, keep my head down and see where it takes me. It is a case of waiting to see what happens between now and the end of the season. There is some good competition for places.

"A lot can happen between now and the tournament. It is important we put pressure on the people playing.''

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