"?England captain Wayne Rooney was much-maligned coming into this summer's European Championships. Debate raged over his best position for the national team, as well as working out where he would fit in manager Roy Hodgson's system. However, in typical Rooney fashion, the Manchester United man has silenced his critics on the pitch, most notably shining in England's recent 2-1 win over rivals Wales at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Wayne Rooney's game by numbers:
91% pass accuracy
10 crosses
5 chances created
4 take-ons
3 shots
Ran the show. pic.twitter.com/KBu6JqxRKy
The 30-year-old was named man of the match for his performance in central midfield, creating a number of England's chances, while controlling the tempo from deep, and orchestrating attacks in fitting skipper-like fashion. Rooney has played a lot in midfield for United over the last two seasons, but for England he's always remained an attacker, until now. Manager Roy Hodgson placed a lot of faith in Rooney to succeed Steve Gerrard in the role in a major tournament, and it's so far having the desired effect.
For England against Wales, no player completed more passes (70), no player had more shots on target (1), no player created more chances (6), no player made more touches (105), no player made more dribbles (4), no player made more interceptions (2), no player made (10) and completed (4) more crosses and no player completed more long passes (9) "? whoscored. Rooney dominated the midfield, and may have even surpassed his own expectations with how influential he was for England.
Debate raged if Rooney could shine in the role given the majority of his career was that of a striker's, but the experienced man has shown his tactical intelligence and discipline to adequately shine in a new role on the international stage. Rooney spreads the play brilliantly from flank to flank, and still has the athleticism to supplement the attack, as well as tracking back to defend in his own area. With England having such a youthful side by comparison to previous tournaments, having Rooney's experience and composure in key area greatly helps the Three Lions.
His high levels of industry see him cover nearly every blade of grass on the pitch, and his excellent range of passes unlocked the Wales defence on a number of occasions. With the protection in midfield coming from Eric Dier in a deep-lying role, while Dele Alli provides the energy and box-to-box threat to get the ball from defence to attack in speedy fashion. Many suggested Wayne Rooney shouldn't have made the Euro 2016 squad this summer, but is he now one of the first names on the teamsheet?
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