Wayne Rooney told reporters on 5 July 2026 that England’s overlooked forwards Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney could play a decisive part at the upcoming World Cup, urging Gareth Southgate to consider them for the final squad.
Why does Rooney think Watkins and Toney matter?
Rooney highlighted Watkins’ recent Premier League form – 12 goals and 5 assists in his last 15 matches for Aston Villa – as evidence of a striker who can stretch defences and finish clinically. He added that Toney’s 18‑goal haul for Brentford, combined with his proven penalty record, gives England a reliable option in tight games. Both players, Rooney argued, bring a blend of work‑rate and finishing that the current attacking line‑up lacks.
How could they fit into Southgate’s plans?
According to Rooney, Watkins could slot in as a left‑handed partner for Harry Kane, offering a different angle of attack. Toney, he suggested, would be ideal as a super‑sub, capable of changing the tempo in the final ten minutes. Rooney noted that Southgate has already used squad rotation in recent friendlies, so integrating two fresh faces would not be a stretch.
What does this mean for England’s World Cup prospects?
If Southgate takes Rooney’s advice, England would gain depth beyond the usual trio of Kane, Rashford and Saka. Watkins’ ability to press high could help the team dominate possession, while Toney’s composure from the spot might prove vital in knockout‑stage dead‑ball situations. Rooney believes that a broader attacking pool could be the edge England needs against South American and African opponents known for physicality.
What’s the reaction from the football community?
Fans on social media have already taken to the idea, with many praising the call for merit‑based selection. Former England midfielder James Milner posted that “if you’re scoring week in, week out, you deserve a look.” Critics, however, argue that Southgate’s current squad already has balance and that adding two more forwards could disrupt chemistry. The debate is set to intensify as the final squad list approaches the 15 July deadline.
What’s next for Watkins and Toney?
Both players are due to feature in England’s final warm‑up match against Portugal on 12 July. Their performances there will likely be the last audition before the squad is announced. Rooney hinted he will be watching closely, saying, “If they show the same hunger I saw in the league, I’ll be cheering from the stands.”