Slovenia boss Srecko Katanec has said that he hopes England captain Wayne Rooney is dropped for Tuesday night's 2018 World Cup Group F qualification match.
Rooney started Gareth Southgate's first game in charge of the national team - Saturday's 2-0 win over Malta - but it has been reported that the Manchester United skipper will be on the bench for the Slovenia clash.
Despite the 30-year-old's drop in form, Katanec has claimed that Rooney is still England's "leader" and would see it as a positive if the Three Lions' record goalscorer were omitted from the XI.
"I would prefer it if he doesn't start because of his experience and quality," Katanec told reporters. "He is still a leader for England. He is the leader and as the leader – a captain who has played a lot of matches in the national team – such a man is not that easy to substitute out. He has the experience a captain needs.
"But I would not be surprised if he doesn't start the game. He is not the youngest anymore and maybe his form has taken a little dip - he is not at such a level as required of him by journalists."
With 53 goals in 117 international appearances, Rooney is England's all-time record goalscorer and their second most-capped player behind Peter Shilton, who retired with 125 caps to his name.
Matt Law
