Gareth Southgate has confirmed Wayne Rooney will play against Scotland on Friday.
Sportsmail revealed on Thursday morning that the England captain will start against Scotland after he was dropped for the clash against Slovenia last month. And Southgate has confirmed the Manchester United star will be in the starting XI.Â
The England manager said of Rooney: 'He is better placed compared to the last get together in terms of confidence and sharpness. There was no hesitation to play him.Â
'He's confident and I think experience in a game like this is important, in a team that has a lot of energy and potential, but you also need a lot of experience.
'He's playing well. He's played well in his last couple of matches for Manchester United. When he's in a rhythm of playing that helps.'Â
The good news for Southgate is that after Danny Drinkwater and keeper Fraser Forster had to withdraw from the squad earlier in the week he has no new injury doubts.
'Everybody will train today. We had one or two questions marks, but we have a full squad to pick from,' he added.
'I've really enjoyed the opportunity to work with the best players in the country. They are so open to new ideas.'Â
Jordan Henderson, who captained England against Slovenia in place of Rooney but will have to make do with just a place in starting XI on Friday, said the Manchester United forward's experience is invaluable to the squad.
'Wayne will speak to a lot of the players, with his experience,' said Henderson.Â
'Not only for this game, but for a lot of the games Wayne uses his experience for the players very well, especially the younger lads that have not experienced as many games or as big a game as this is. So he's a big part in trying to get the victory.'
Still trying to win over the FA top brass and ensure he is given the job on a full-time basis, Southgate insists he is not feeling the pressure to perform.
'I'm really enjoying being in the role but what happens to me isn't important. We want to win this game,' said the 46-year-old.
'I feel very comfortable with what we're doing. Whatever happens in the future, it has been a fantastic experience for me
'I don't view any game [as make or break]. I'm not a coach for whom it's all about me.
'The game's not about me. I've heard people say before football is about people who play and people who pay, I think that's about right.
'Without any shadow of doubt games like tomorrow are the reason I'm involved in the game.
'That's the beauty of football to be involved in big matches. I've been involved in big matches, not as many as I'd like as a player, but if you've got the drive and desire you always want more.' Mail Online
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