Rooney should play up front alone in World Cup: Lineker

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LONDON - Former England footballer Gary Lineker believes that striker Wayne Rooney should play up front alone in this summer’s World Cup.

Rooney has hit 34 goals playing as a lone striker for his club Manchester United this season, and Lineker wants England manager Fabio Capello to use him in a similar role during the tournament in South Africa.

“Wayne’s been brilliant in that role for United. He has played with Emile Heskey and Capello might consider Peter Crouch or Jermain Defoe. But the alternative is to play Wayne like he does for United with Gerrard or Joe Cole,” The Sun quoted Lineker, as saying.

“I fancy using Gerrard with him because that gives him licence to do what he wants and he’s brilliant when on song,” he added.

The 49-year-old further reckons South Africa could prove the stage where Rooney could establish himself as one of greatest players to represent England.

“I was not in the same league as Rooney. He is a much better footballer than I ever was,” Lineker said.

“I was a goalscorer. He is a goalscorer and more. A wonderful talented all-round footballer. I would have loved to have played with him,” he added. (ANI)