Wayne Rooney Shows He Doesn’t Know World Cup Rules By Demanding Surprise England Recall

Wayne Rooney believes England should consider bringing Kyle Walker back into their World Cup squad after their growing injury problems at right-back.

Thomas Tuchel’s side eventually came from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta and reach the World Cup Round of 16, where they will face Mexico.

However, England’s victory also highlighted the problems they are facing in one particular area of the pitch.

Tino Livramento had already returned home through injury earlier in the tournament, while first-choice right-back Reece James was also ruled out.

That left Djed Spence starting against DR Congo.

The Tottenham defender struggled during England’s difficult opening period before eventually being withdrawn as Tuchel pushed for an equaliser.

Eberechi Eze was introduced, with Declan Rice dropping into the right-back position as England chased the game.

Wayne Rooney Shows He Doesn’t Know World Cup Rules By Demanding Surprise England Recall

Speaking on BBC after the match, Rooney suggested England should now consider turning to one of their most experienced former internationals.

The former England captain called for 36-year-old Kyle Walker to be brought back into the squad.

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Walker, who now plays for Burnley, retired from international football in March of this year, but Wayne Rooney believes England’s current circumstances could justify a return.

They want to go further in this and we’ve seen it happen before where players have come out of retirement.
I think the minute Livramento got injured, I think he should have been right on the phone to Kyle Walker because Kyle’s still more than good enough and more than capable of playing in this England team.
So I would have been on the phone to him saying, listen, we need you here, can you come out and, help us because that could really cost us, and I’m worried about that.

There is just one problem with Rooney’s solution: it cannot actually happen. World Cup squads are finalised before the tournament begins and teams are not permitted to call up replacements once the competition is underway.

With Tino Livramento already replaced pre-tournament by Trevoh Chalobah and Reece James injured, Thomas Tuchel must work with the players already in his squad. In other words, while Rooney may believe Kyle Walker is the answer, FIFA’s rules mean England cannot simply pick up the phone and bring the 36-year-old to America.

England looked vulnerable throughout much of the evening against DR Congo.

Brian Kibambe Cipenga had shocked Tuchel’s side with an early goal on Spence’s side and England struggled to create chances for long periods.

However, Harry Kane rescued England’s campaign with two late goals.

The captain headed home an equaliser in the 75th minute before producing a brilliant finish in the 86th minute to send England through.

Rooney had earlier said the game would provide Tuchel with “a lot of answers” about his squad.

The former Manchester City defender’s pace and experience made him a key figure for England over several major tournaments, and Rooney feels those qualities could still prove valuable.

England are safely into the Round of 16, but with Mexico awaiting and their options at right-back becoming increasingly limited, Rooney believes Thomas Tuchel may need to make a significant call to a familiar face.

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