Slovenia vs England - Gareth Southgate: Rooney has a huge impact on England players

Posted Tuesday, October 11, 2016 by PA

Gareth Southgate hates the idea that dropping Wayne Rooney has given critics any satisfaction, saying the England captain still provides "gold dust" to the team.

Even for a player in the spotlight since the age of 16, the intensifying scrutiny of the Manchester United captain over the past few months has been unparalleled.

Rooney's place in the England starting line-up and position within it has been in focus, with interim manager Southgate taking the bold decision to drop him for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Slovenia.

"It is a football decision," Southgate told a packed press conference.

"On a human level it's a very difficult decision because I don't like the idea that there might be an element of satisfaction for some people that he's not in the team.

"I'm probably more annoyed by that than he is. He's had to live with that sort of reaction throughout his career.

"I know the implications when you've got a big player, somebody who is a worldwide figure, it has repercussions for him."

Rooney's omission allows Eric Dier, England's best player at Euro 2016, to return to the line-up and provide an important defensive shield in Ljubljana.

Southgate spoke in great length with Rooney about his decision on Sunday evening and was thoroughly impressed by the way the captain has handled matters throughout the past fortnight.

"You can see the pride he has of being involved every day with us," he said.

"I guess it goes back to people not knowing the man and they all have an opinion, but I think they are wide of the mark.

"I think there is a thing of respect and unfortunately very often we don't see it fully until players retire and they are finished. I know that is the case.

"But we have an opportunity still with Wayne, there is still time ahead and his impact on the whole squad is huge.

"I have been more aware of that over the last few days because the contribution, the things he talks about, that experience he passes on.

"The players fully appreciate the gold dust he is giving them. It is massive especially for a relatively young group of players."

Southgate named Jordan Henderson as captain against Slovenia and says he earned the right after successfully stepping out of Steven Gerrard's shadow at Anfield.

The 26-year-old took the Liverpool armband from local hero Gerrard when the latter left the club in 2015 and has been impressive in the role.

And that was not lost on Southgate as he chose the midfielder ahead of other candidates such as Joe Hart and Gary Cahill.

"What stood out for me is that he has taken over as captain at a club where he has succeeded one of the most iconic English footballers of all time," said Southgate.

"That would have been a difficult challenge for him and he has matured from that. He has shown great leadership skills with his club.

"He is used to being captain which is important. He has got a voice and an opinion within this group and he has got his clear ideas of what we need to work on.

"It was not an easy decision because there are other senior players in that dressing room but he has captained a big football club and is used to that responsibility, so it is the right decision for me."

Slovenia, who lost twice to England in Euro 2016 qualifying, go into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Slovakia.

But manager Srecko Katanec wants his men to approach the game in measured fashion.

"I warned the guys against too much euphoria after the Slovakia result," he said. "You cannot compare the two teams; England has a lot more quality in every way. The team functions very well and we expect a tough match in every aspect.

"England have very quick players and very fast in transition from defence to attack. But we don't need to be afraid of the game or afraid to lose. The guys are unburdened."