Wayne Rooney dropped for Slovenia qualifier, Jordan Henderson to be captain confirms Southgate

The caretaker manager said the decision was based on analysis of the Slovenian team and had no bearing on Rooney's future in the international game.

Southgate said: "It’s very straightforward, we looked at Slovenia and the way they play and from when I looked at that last week I knew the profile of midfield I wanted to play.

"This is in no way a reflection of his performance from Saturday. We were very happy with how he’s played."

Southgate, who stood in to fill the vacancy left by Sam Allardyce's departure after the win over Slovakia, added: "I’m conscious when you make a decision like that with Wayne there are bigger consequences. He was very keen to speak today.

"I wasn’t so sure that was a good idea because I didn’t want him in the spotlight more than he already is."

"But on reflection it’s a great opportunity to talk about his pride of playing for his country.”

"He’s still captain while I’m in charge and everything I’ve seen this week has only improved the feeling of how impressive he’s been as the leader of this group. Yesterday there was a meeting and after we’d spoken I don’t know if the other players knew the decision but you would never have known by the input he had.”

"There’s been a depth to Wayne’s leadership that unfortunately people outside the group would not be aware of. I don’t know what his long-term plans are but he’s almost like a coach in the dressing room already. It's a huge compliment to his football intelligence and his understanding of the dynamic of the group. He’s clearly got a lot of football in him still.”

Sitting alongside Southgate on Monday evening, Rooney said: "Of course you want to play. I understand and respect the manger’s decisions and I’ll support the players 100 per cent and I’ll be ready to come on if needed and hopefully we can get the win.

"I show great pride in playing for my country whether that’s from the start or from the bench.”

"I’ve played 13 years non-stop for England. A time comes where you’re not the first name on the teamsheet."

Jordan Henderson will replace Rooney as Captain, Southgate confirmed and Eric Dier will start in Rooney's absence.