England caretaker manager Gareth Southgate has stated that Wayne Rooney remains an integral figure in the national team setup.
Due to poor form, Rooney has been struggling earn regular minutes on the pitch for Manchester United and as a consequence, many believe that the 31-year-old will also face a battle in order to earn a place in the England team in the future.
Interim Three Lions boss Southgate has touched on the situation surrounding Rooney and has assured that the United skipper remains a crucial component despite his struggles.
Southgate told: "He's the England captain and although he didn't start in Slovenia, to me he is a hugely influential person in that group and that won't change.
"Let's see what that scenario is but I thought his leadership qualities in the 10 days with us shone through. I hadn't been able to see that first hand and it was hugely impressive.
"I could see how he's held in the eyes of the rest of the players and the positive influence he has in that environment.
"I haven't spoken to him since the camp but I'm always conscious players are back into a run of fixtures with their clubs but I will pick up with him and the others later."