Wayne Rooney casts doubt on 'gifted' England star tipped to play a major role at Euro 2024 and claims that he is 'all over the place defensively'

 Wayne Rooney has expressed reservations about Gareth Southgate's likely partner for Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in England's midfield against Serbia. 

The Three Lions get their Euro 2024 campaign underway at the Veltins Arena on Sunday afternoon, as they bid to claim only the second trophy in the nation's history. 

Aside from the concern over the England defence, Southgate's biggest call for the game will be deciding which player to start alongside Rice and Bellingham.

Chelsea's Conor Gallagher impressed in the 3-0 win over Bosnia last week, while youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton have made good cases to start over the course of their seasons. 

However, it appears Southgate it leaning towards Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold. And even though Rooney believes his fellow Scouser may be the most gifted player with the ball in the squad, the Man United legend still doesn't trust him out of possession. 

'I think he (Southgate) will go with Trent. I think he’s probably the most gifted player we have with the ball at his feet that we've got.' Rooney said on The Overlap's Euros fan debate, brought to you by Sky Bet. 

'Defensively he is all over the place. He can't defend. I wouldn’t have him anywhere near the middle of the pitch. 

'I have no problem playing him [at right-back] but I wouldn't have him anywhere near [centre midfield].

'And I love Trent actually. On the ball, the stuff he can do nobody else can do it.' 

Earlie this week, Mail Sport reported that England boss was seriously considering starting Alexander-Arnold in the Euro 2024 opener.

The head coach has explored the idea of deploying the Anfield vice-captain, who plays at right-back for his club, in central midfield for the past 12 months as he searches for a ball-playing partner for Rice.

The 25-year-old has been handed the No 8 shirt for the tournament, potentially a clue towards what looks set to be a lead role in Germany.

Southgate is keen to utilise his players during the tournament as he contends with various fitness issues and has options in midfield.