Gareth Southgate: Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott to start for England against Malta
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ByEurosport
Updated 07/10/2016 at 19:31 GMT
Gareth Southgate has confirmed Wayne Rooney will start as England captain against Malta in the country's World Cup qualifier on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
England's Wayne Rooney during training
Image credit: Reuters
The interim manager Southgate has hinted at a midfield role for the Manchester United forward, who has started on the substitutes bench for his club's past two matches against Leicester and Stoke.
Southgate said he expected Rooney's influence would help England to control the game if he starts in midfield. Rooney will win his 117th cap.
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott will also start the match in England's second qualifier after their 1-0 win in Slovakia in Group F last month.
"I keep hearing keep what English players can't do, but I've seen what they can do," said Southgate.
"I want them to go and show it. I expect us to control the game.
"The sell-out crowd shows what England means to the supporters and I don't think any country in the world will have a crowd like ours this weekend.
"My pride in leading the team is echoed by the players' desire to do well. It has shone through how much they want to make the country proud. I believe over the next few years they will."
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