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Wayne Rooney axed: Gareth Southgate confirms skipper will not start against Slovenia
GARETH SOUTHGATE has confirmed he has axed Wayne Rooney for England’s World Cup qualifier with Slovenia.
Wayne Rooney has been axed for Slovenia
Rooney will continue as England's captain with Jordan Henderson taking the armband tomorrow night in his absence.
Eric Dier will come into the team for Rooney and make up the midfield with Henderson and Dele Alli.
Interim England manager Southgate claims the decision to drop Rooney is based on the way Slovenia play rather than because of Rooney's performances of late.
"It's very straight forward," Southgate said.
"We've looked at the way Slovenia play, which we did midway last week. And we profiled the kind of midfield we wanted to play.
"It is in no reflection to Rooney's performance at the weekend, in fact we were happy with the way he played.
"It was not an easy decision to make but we felt it was the right one."
England beat Malta 2-0 on Saturday in Southgate's first game in charge following Sam Allardyce's departure.
He'd hinted he wouldn't shirk the big call when it came to Rooney and has followed through tonight.
Rooney has struggled for form for club and country this season and has missed out on Manchester United's last three games.
But on keeping Rooney as captain Southgate said: "Not only did he accept the news with professionalism but he immediately said he wanted to talk to you today.
"I didn't necessarily think that was the right decision. But he is still captain of this team while I'm in charge. This week has only reinforced him as the leader of this group."
England are chasing a third win in three in the World Cup 2018 qualifying process and Rooney, despite being disappointed, says he understands the decision.
Southgate confirmed Rooney will start on the bench
And the Manchester United captain also insists he's ready to come off the bench to help the side.
Rooney said: "I understand and I respect the manager's decision and I'll support the players 100 per cent, and try to help the players get three points tomorrow.
"I'll be ready to come off the bench if needed. I show great pride in playing for my country, whether that's from the start or from the bench.
"Of course you want to be on the pitch, but my role as captain won't change off the pitch."
Rooney has been shifted around midfield and up front over the last six months and has struggled for consistency.
Rooney will start on the bench against Slovenia
He insists that is not the source of his problems and says he is capable of doing different jobs around the pitch.
And Southgate says Rooney will continue to be the side's leader.
"I go back to what I've witnessed at St George's Park over the last three years, from afar," Southgate added.
"That has only been embellished by what I've witnessed this week. There's a depth to his leadership that unfortunately people outside of the group wouldn't be aware of.
"He's almost like a coach within the dressing room already and that's a complement to his football intelligence and what's right for the group."