Wayne Rooney has started the last 2 games for Manchester United and scored in the Europa League against Fenerbahce with a fine strike. Jose Mourinho decided to stick with the record England goal scorer when United faced Swansea City in the Premier League last Sunday and he was rewarded with a good display from Rooney.

On Sunday Rooney looked to be getting in better form as he played a solid game with few errors and he had a hand in all three United goals. Rooney’s display must have pleased Mourinho and it clearly impressed Gareth Southgate as he has elected to restore the player to the starting England XI to face traditional rivals Scotland on Friday night in the World Cup qualifier at a sold out Wembley Stadium.

As reported by the BBC, Southgate had this to say about his selection:

“He’s in a better place than for the last get-together in terms of sharpness and confidence,”

“He’s an experienced player for a game like this and there is no hesitation to be playing him.”

So England will be looking to Rooney to lead them to an important win as they are only 2 points ahead at the top of the group and a Scotland win would see them close to within a point of Southgate’s team.

Of course the injured United players Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw will not be playing for their country after missing their last club match. Mourinho crticised them both for not being able to play through the pain barrier but Southgate has defended the pair despite their club manager’s feelings.