Wayne Rooney questions Thomas Tuchel’s England squad selection after World Cup exit

Wayne Rooney has delivered a strong assessment of Thomas Tuchel's England squad following the Three Lions' World Cup exit, questioning several selection decisions and suggesting too many places were given to players valued more for their dressing-room influence than their ability on the pitch.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show following England's defeat to Argentina, the former captain argued Tuchel overlooked some of the country's most talented attacking players while favouring experience and squad harmony.

Rooney believes those decisions ultimately affected England's ability to compete against the tournament's strongest sides.

Rooney reserved particular criticism for Jordan Henderson's inclusion, admitting he still struggles to understand why the experienced midfielder was selected ahead of younger alternatives.

He also pointed to Kobbie Mainoo, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins, all of whom played little or no part during the tournament despite earning places in the squad.

Rooney said: "Let's not beat around the bush, there were players who were there to be a good team-mate. You have to pick your best players. And the better the players, the better the manager you are."

He also questioned the inclusion of Trevoh Chalobah, while joking about Dan Burn's close relationship with Harry Kane throughout the tournament.

"You know, you're still asking the question now, why was Jordan Henderson there? You've got Kobbie Mainoo there who didn't play a minute. You've got Ivan Toney who came on for a couple of minutes. You've got Ollie Watkins, who didn't really play."

Rooney argued England missed the opportunity to unsettle opponents by selecting more technically gifted, front-footed players.

Using Argentina as an example, he suggested seeing players such as Phil Foden or Cole Palmer enter the pitch would have created a different psychological challenge than England's defensive substitutions.

"If you were Argentina, and this is no disrespect to these players, and you see Dan Burn, Konsa coming on the pitch… or you think we're going to go for front-footed players who can hold the ball and drive it up the pitch in a Phil Foden or a Cole Palmer, I think that makes a big difference to their mindset during the game."

Rooney concluded that some of Tuchel's squad decisions are likely to become regrets.

"There were players who were there just to be a good team-mate… So there's things he did which I think he'll regret 100%, some of the decisions he made."

Tuchel is expected to review England's World Cup campaign before preparations begin for the next international window. Debate over his squad selection is likely to continue, particularly regarding experienced players and whether younger attacking talents should play a more prominent role going forward.

Do you agree with Wayne Rooney's assessment, or did Thomas Tuchel select the right squad for England's World Cup campaign?