Wayne Rooney names huge issue in England squad and the one snubbed player who would have solved it

Wayne Rooney has given his verdict on England's performance at Euro 2024 and named the one snubbed player who would solve their current problems.

The Three Lions got off to a winning start in their opening group game against Serbia before a dismal performance against Denmark saw a 1-1 draw.

It now means Gareth Southgate's men must avoid defeat in their final match against Slovenia to guarantee a place in the Round of 16.

As always, there is a huge amount of expectation on England's shoulders for Euro 2024 after their disappointing defeat in the final three years ago.

Many see this as Southgate's last chance to win silverware with the 53-year-old expected to step down at the end of the competition regardless of the outcome.

There were some shock omissions from his final 26-man squad with several experienced players left without a seat on the plane to Germany.

Former England record goalscorer Wayne Rooney is amongst those who disagree with Southgate's squad and has named one player that's missing who would have solved England's problems.

Writing in his column in The Times, Rooney said the squad Gareth has chosen "lacks experience" and that the team is missing Jordan Henderson who was left out.

"Without wishing to make a big thing and say: ‘I told you so,’ we’ve seen two games where the team Gareth Southgate decided would be his best XI for the tournament just has not looked right in terms of balance — and I did write before Euro 2024 began that playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield would be a mistake," Rooney wrote.

"I also suggested Anthony Gordon should play on the left to give England someone on that side who would stretch the pitch and run in behind. I said Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden should play in front of Declan Rice as a No8 and a No10, and that the squad Gareth had chosen lacked experience and would miss Jordan Henderson. I’m afraid I wasn’t wrong in any that."

He added: [Kane] also needs voices behind him. You coach how you want to press but then you need leaders on the pitch to execute it and Harry needs someone vocal behind telling him to show the opponent left, show them right and so on. Sometimes, when you’re the striker, you need to be told to wait or to let the centre back come and step into your press. I wonder if anyone is helping Harry in that way.

"Having played with Henderson I can tell you he’s very loud and excellent at organising the pressing. Rice is quite vocal but not to the same level, and I don’t think "Trent is much of a talker on the pitch at all. Whoever plays midfield in the next game has to be in Harry’s ear and support him."

Jordan Henderson wasn't picked for Euro 2024 (Getty)

Henderson has been a favourite of Southgate's for a long time and was by far the most experienced player of the current crop before this summer's tournement.

Many have criticised Southgate for his defensive approach given the plethora of attacking talent that England have, and the 34-year-old midfielder has been a part of that.

Henderson's controversial move to the Saudi Pro League last year also affected his chances of being included, and ultimately Southgate was brave in choosing the youthful pair of Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton instead.

Whilst England indeed lack experience in certain areas, it's difficult to see how the former Liverpool captain would make a huge difference on the pitch given there are several players in the squad who play in a similar way to him.

Southgate is looking to the future and picking players based on form. It's good to see a fresh approach, but will it work?