Exclusive – Gray slams ‘absurd’ calls for Rooney to be axed by England

Andy Gray has slammed suggestions Wayne Rooney should be left out of England’s World Cup squad.

Rooney failed to impress in the 2006 and 2010 tournaments and, after a lacklustre display in Wednesday night’s narrow win over Denmark, there have been calls from some Three Lions fans to ditch the Manchester United hitman.

Gray, however, insists the 28-year-old still has plenty to offer his country and says it would be ‘absurd’ not to take him to Brazil this summer.

“Don’t forget England had a golden generation not so long ago that were going to deliver the crown jewels and delivered nothing. Wayne is not the only player that has gone to a World Cup and not produced what he can," said the former Scotland striker, speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

"He is at the peak of his powers. He is 28-years-old and it might be well be his last major tournament. Certainly his second last.

"The thought of going without him is absurd. It would be a nonsense."