Paul Scholes: Wayne Rooney can destroy Lugano against Uruguay

Wayne Rooney and England has had a dissapointing beginning to the World Cup

Former England and Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes that Wayne Rooney could destroy Uruguay’s Diego Lugano if he’s played through the middle.

Rooney, 28, played on the left wing for England as they lost 2-1 to Italy at the weekend, with some calling for the Man United forward to return to his favoured central position. Scholes believes Rooney should be played as the central striker despite Daniel Sturridge scoring more goals than him last season and scoring England’s only goal against Italy.

Raheem Sterling was picked to play over Rooney in the centre of an attacking trio behind Sturridge and he excelled, earning a heap of praise from the media and supporters. A lot of people want Sterling to continue there, with some suggest Rooney should be moved back.

Scholes, however, thinks Rooney should be played as a striker as that way he can cause trouble for Lugano, who Scholes believes is Uruguay’s weak link.

“Diego Godin won La Liga with Aletico Madrid last season and is a very good centre-half – but Godin can’t be expected to cover for the mistakes of his partner, Diego Lugano,” Scholes told Paddy Power.

“Lugano is slow, he couldn’t handle Costa Rica, and he was released by West Brom – it doesn’t say much for him.

“Wayne Rooney can destroy Lugano, if Wayne is played in his best position.”

Rooney scored 17 goals in the Premier League last season, which is four fewer than Sturridge and given the Liverpool forward actually has more World Cup goals than Rooney, it is strange for Scholes to push for his former teammate to play as the striker.