Tottenham's Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, not Wayne Rooney, should lead England line, says Alan Shearer

James Benge17 May 2016

Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, not captain Wayne Rooney, should be the contenders to start upfront for England at Euro 2016, according to Alan Shearer.

The trio are three of the five forwards Roy Hodgson has named in his provisional 26-man squad for Euro 2016, with three players to be cut from the selection before the end of May.

Since returning from a knee injury in April Rooney, 30, has found himself deployed in midfield by Louis van Gaal. Marcus Rashford, another Manchester United player called up to Hodgson’s squad, has often been preferred to lead the line for the Red Devils, though the 18-year-old has already been warned by Hodgson that he faces a battle to remain in the 23.

As for Rooney, he may face a challenge of his own if he wants to lead the England line at another tournament. He has, though, made clear his willingness to shift into midfield for Hodgson and Shearer believes that is the best place for him.

“There was always going to be a place for the captain and rightly so,” he told BBC Sport. “But the days of Wayne being the number one striker are gone.

“He's still got a lot to offer.

“Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy deserve to have their chance up front, but I still think Wayne has a part to play, whether that is in midfield or the number 10 role.”

Kane and Vardy have spent just 146 minutes on the pitch in an England shirt, 107 of which came against San Marino, Estonia and Lithuania, but with a combined 49 Premier League goals this season have seemingly established themselves as the leading contenders to start up front.

England Euro 2016 warm-up friendlies and group fixtures

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Hodgson found himself overloaded with riches when considering those he might add to Rooney, Kane and Vardy in the Euro 2016 squad. An injury to Danny Welbeck earlier this month created a space for the likes of Jermain Defoe, scorer of 15 goals in Sunderland’s battle against relegation, and West Ham’s powerful Andy Carroll.

Plumping for Rashford, who had never made a Premier League appearance prior to scoring two in victory over Arsenal on February 28, was perhaps the strongest indication of Hodgson’s faith in youth; the average age of England’s squad is 24.8.

“[Rashford] has been one of the bright sparks for Manchester United this season,” said Shearer. “He probably wouldn't have got his chance other than injury to some players but he did get it and he took it.

ENGLAND'S GROUP B FIXTURES

“He has been full of energy, scored goals and he looks a bright prospect. It will be great experience for him, even if Roy doesn't take him to France.

“Once Jermain had left this country and gone to play in Canada [he spent six months with Toronto FC in the MLS in 2014-15], then that was probably his England career gone.

“He has had a magnificent season with Sunderland, but Roy is now looking towards youth and rightly so.”

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