World Cup

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Attendance: 62,575

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 19, 2014 at 8pm UK

Uruguay
2-1
England

Suarez (39', 85')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Rooney (75')

Jamie Carragher: 'Wayne Rooney should play centrally against Uruguay'

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 16 June 2014

Jamie Carragher believes that Wayne Rooney should be restored to a central role for England's second World Cup game against Uruguay.

Former England international Jamie Carragher believes that Wayne Rooney should be restored to a central role for the Three Lions' second World Cup game against Uruguay.

The Manchester United striker has been criticised for his performance in the 2-1 defeat to Italy on Saturday, where he played on the left flank.

However, Carragher believes that moving Rooney to a central position behind Daniel Sturridge will allow England to exploit Uruguay's defensive frailties.

"People will say 'why should we accommodate him?' when [Raheem] Sterling was so impressive in that role against Italy," Carragher wrote in his column in the Daily Mail.

"I just feel with Uruguay's defence in disarray after the defeat to Costa Rica, Sterling could terrorise whoever plays at right-back in the absence of the suspended Maximiliano Pereira and Wayne could wreak havoc in the middle.

"Until he plays in his favoured central role, firm judgements about Rooney should be reserved."

England face Uruguay in Group D on Thursday.