Any England fans hoping for a fearless new dawn under Sam Allardyce after the debacle of Euro 2016 were left somewhat non-plussed in terms of the performance in their opening World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday, large parts of which were just as predictable and punchless as under his predecessor Roy Hodgson.
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It was the first worldwide goal for Liverpool’s No.20, who fired home a low shot in the fifth minute of injury-time as England began their World Cup qualifying campaign in fine style.
“I don’t think he’s a striker anymore, we are trying to fit him in, but he’s not a midfield player for me”.
The 30-year-old will break Beckham’s record amid calls for him to retire from worldwide football as managers struggle to find his best position in the team.
And one question he’ll have to address between now and England’s next game, against Slovenia on 11 October, is whether Wayne Rooney still merits his place in the team.
“That goal has been a long time coming”, he told ITV.
Speaking after the game, Allardyce declared Rooney had the freedom to play where he sees fit.
“So using his experience with a team, and playing as a team member, it’s not for me to say where he’s going to play”.
Allardyce was asked about the letter in a pre-match press conference and had said he “might be able to oblige” – and he clearly did.
Slovakia posed next to no attacking threat at City Arena, but it was not until their captain Martin Skrtel was sent off in the 57th minute that England started to make serious inroads.
It was their first outing since June’s traumatic 2-1 loss to tiny Iceland in France and with Allardyce retaining numerous same players, he conceded it was likely to have been on their minds.
Some found the game underwhelming on the whole though, with England only managing to bag themselves a goal five minutes into injury time. I played in that role and helped us win the game.
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Rooney added: “I’m playing on the pitch for England. Adam scored the goal to get us off to an excellent start (in the campaign)”.
