Ince calls for Rooney inclusion

Former England midfielder Paul Ince says Wayne Rooney must start for Roy Hodgson’s team in their final group game against Ukraine.

Rooney has been forced to sit on the sidelines and watch England’s opening two Euro 2012 fixtures after being sent off for a petulant kick at Miodrag Dzudovic during a qualifier for the tournament against Montenegro.

Some feel Rooney’s selection may not necessarily be justified as Andy Carroll and Danny Welbeck, shown by their goals in Friday night’s 3-2 success over Sweden, have displayed their credentials for the team.

But Ince, capped 53 times by England, sees Rooney as an essential part and even discussed the idea of fielding Welbeck, Carroll and Rooney in the same side.

Ince told talkSPORT: “During his time on loan at Sunderland, Danny Welbeck played a lot on the left-hand side. It might be an opportunity to play Rooney off Carroll.

“Carroll was brilliant against Sweden, the goal he scored was outstanding. You have to bring Wayne Rooney back though. He must be chomping at the bit.

“Rooney gives you something different and special, that’s what we need at this moment in time. He’s the only one in our team that can do that.”

Ince’s comments hint at either James Milner or Ashley Young making way, and the duo face added competition from Theo Walcott after the Arsenal man turned the game against Sweden.

Ince believes it is Young who should be dropped as he looks to be suffering from the after effects of Manchester United having dramatically missed out on the English Premier League title last month.

“Ashley Young has been disappointing for me in the last two games. I don’t think he needs a rest though,” he said.

“He’s looked jaded. The Premier League run-in has taken a lot out of him.

“When he plays for Manchester United he causes so much trouble. He’s a very talented player but for some reason in the last two games he hasn’t done that, which is worrying. Maybe it might be the chance to change it around.”