Wayne Rooney has been heavily criticised on social media for a controversial opinion he expressed just minutes after England's dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo at the World Cup. Rooney, working from the BBC studio in Salford, watched as Harry Kane scored a late second-half brace to secure the win in the United States, sending England into the round of 16 against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City.
Rooney's Controversial Suggestion
During the BBC's post-match analysis, Rooney suggested that England head coach Thomas Tuchel should have called retired right-back Kyle Walker, now 36, to replace the injured Tino Livramento. Instead, Tuchel selected Trevoh Chalobah as the replacement. Rooney stated: "We've seen it before. It's happened before where players come out of retirement. I think the minute Livramento got injured, I think he should have been right on the phone to Kyle Walker. Kyle is still more than good enough and more than capable of playing in this England team. I would have been on the phone to him saying, 'Listen we need you here. Can you come out and help us?' That could really cost us. I'm worried on that."
Fan Backlash
The comment sparked outrage among England fans, who argued that Walker's best days are behind him. @Sidler28 wrote on X: "Wayne Rooney is an excellent pundit but Kyle Walker?!? Give over lad." @Joey_CFC said: "Wayne Rooney saying Kyle Walker is the answer to our RB issue might be the worst bit of punditry I've seen this tournament." @TrueBlueFooty added: "Rooney was doing so well on punditry until he suggested Kyle Walker should've been called up…" Another fan, @Dan_Wall06, reacted: "I know it's been a struggle at right back but Rooney calling for Kyle Walker being in the squad [two laughing emojis]." @_ollie98 said: "rooney suggesting bringing kyle walker out of retirement LMAO." @anLFCfan posted: "Kyle f*****g Walker!!!! Hahahah muppet." @RickersTwickers wrote: "Think Wayne Rooney might have lost his marbles there. Not sure he saw much of Kyle Walker last season."
