Rooney Advocates for Palmer Over Madueke for England Squad

Wayne Rooney, a former Manchester United icon, has stated that Chelsea player Cole Palmer should be included in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup instead of Noni Madueke. Rooney argues that Madueke has not performed adequately during his time at Arsenal to warrant selection.

He believes Palmer has outperformed both Madueke and Bukayo Saka during the 2025-26 season. Rooney made these comments during a BBC show, emphasizing that Madueke's lack of impact at Arsenal and his previous injuries have hindered his chances.

He noted that Palmer has not made a significant impact when called upon and has struggled with individual form at Chelsea. Additionally, Madueke has withdrawn multiple times from the national team due to injuries, which has affected his performance record.

Rooney's remarks suggest that Palmer's current form is a significant factor in the selection process for the England squad.