Amid criticism of Wayne Rooney's club form,
Manchester United team-mate Juan Mata has leapt to
his defence.
Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has
been backed to remain a key player for club and country by
team-mate Juan Mata.
Despite becoming England leading goalscorer this season and
moving joint second in United's scoring charts, some of
Rooney's club displays this term have led to criticism and calls
for him to be dropped by Roy Hodgson.
As England prepare to face Spain in a friendly on Friday, which
Rooney will be rested for, Mata called for the 30-year-old to be
given more respect for his achievements.
"When we speak about Wayne we're speaking about the captain
of England and my team Manchester United," the Spain
international said.
"He's a very important player. He's scored more goals than
anyone in the English national team and at United.
"I know he can play in different positions. At the end it's Roy
Hodgson or Louis van Gaal who decides, but obviously if he's
close to the box he will score more.
"I feel very proud to play alongside him in my team and it will be
very difficult to face him."
Rooney's displays have led to suggestio
ns his place could be
under threat ahead of Euro 2016, the England skipper
acknowledging this week he faces a "huge challenge" to keep
his place.
With Hodgson set to field an experimental side in Alicante on
Friday, Mata feels England have the quality to be a success in
France next year.
"This team of England has a great squad and above all
confidence," he added.
"I speak with Wayne day to day in Manchester and I see him
very happy with the youth, ambition and I think they have the
capacity to win a trophy.
"It's a great test for us because I consider them a big rival to
win the Euros."
Manchester United team-mate Juan Mata has leapt to
his defence.
Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has
been backed to remain a key player for club and country by
team-mate Juan Mata.
Despite becoming England leading goalscorer this season and
moving joint second in United's scoring charts, some of
Rooney's club displays this term have led to criticism and calls
for him to be dropped by Roy Hodgson.
As England prepare to face Spain in a friendly on Friday, which
Rooney will be rested for, Mata called for the 30-year-old to be
given more respect for his achievements.
"When we speak about Wayne we're speaking about the captain
of England and my team Manchester United," the Spain
international said.
"He's a very important player. He's scored more goals than
anyone in the English national team and at United.
"I know he can play in different positions. At the end it's Roy
Hodgson or Louis van Gaal who decides, but obviously if he's
close to the box he will score more.
"I feel very proud to play alongside him in my team and it will be
very difficult to face him."
Rooney's displays have led to suggestio
ns his place could be
under threat ahead of Euro 2016, the England skipper
acknowledging this week he faces a "huge challenge" to keep
his place.
With Hodgson set to field an experimental side in Alicante on
Friday, Mata feels England have the quality to be a success in
France next year.
"This team of England has a great squad and above all
confidence," he added.
"I speak with Wayne day to day in Manchester and I see him
very happy with the youth, ambition and I think they have the
capacity to win a trophy.
"It's a great test for us because I consider them a big rival to
win the Euros."
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