Paul Scholes: England coach Roy Hodgson should drop Wayne Rooney if he doesn't perform

Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has stated that England manager Roy Hodgson needs to have the ‘balls’ to drop Wayne Rooney from the World Cup squad if the striker fails to replicate his club form.

The former midfielder also pointed out that this year’s World Cup could be Rooney’s last chance to prove that he is up there with the best.

Scholes further stated that should Rooney fail to hit the ground running in the Three Lions’ warm up matches against Peru, Ecuador and Honduras he should be dropped by Hodgson and his management team, which includes Scholes’ close friend and former team-mate Gary Neville.

The 39-year-old was quoted as saying: "The England management team has to get the best from Wayne Rooney for the World Cup.

"He's got a brilliant scoring record for his country but he's played in eight World Cup games without a goal.

"You expect more of him. If Wayne is going to be one of the best footballers in the world, this World Cup is where he has to produce."

Scholes added: "I'm not saying Wayne needs to be dropped but if form doesn't get up to scratch in the warm-ups, or in the first game of the World Cup, it'll be interesting to see if the England management team has the balls to make that decision.

"We have quality forwards in the squad this time. That should give Wayne the competition he needs to spur him on a little more. Maybe Wayne has felt the pressure of playing for England in the last two World Cups when he's not scored. I know how difficult it can be.

"To get the very best from Wayne in Rio, the manager needs to tell him: 'Don't bother running back. Stay up top. Stay centre forward. Score goals. That's your job in my team'."

England’s first warm up game against Peru is on May 30 and their first World Cup fixture against Italy is scheduled for the 14 June.