‘Rashford’s a dead cert’ – Rooney, Walcott and Defoe assess England’s wide options

Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Jermain Defoe, Kae Kurd and Kelly Somers have discussed England’s wide options ahead of the World Cup, with the panel weighing up who should feature in the starting line-up.

The BBC Sport video focused on England Men’s attacking choices out wide, with the conversation centring on the balance of pace, directness and end product that could shape Gareth Southgate’s plans. Among the names under discussion was Marcus Rashford, who received strong backing from Walcott.

Walcott described Rashford as a “dead cert” to start, underlining the confidence he has in the forward’s ability to influence matches on the biggest stage. The discussion also included Rooney and Defoe, both of whom brought experience of playing for England in major tournaments, as the panel considered how the team’s wide players can best be used.

England’s wide debate ahead of the World Cup

England’s options on the flanks have long been a major talking point, and this latest assessment again highlighted the depth available to the squad. The panel looked at the different qualities offered by the players in contention, from direct running and creativity to the ability to stretch defences and create scoring chances.

With the World Cup approaching, the debate around England’s wide areas remains one of the key selection questions. Rashford’s name stood out in the discussion, with Walcott’s endorsement suggesting he sees the Manchester United forward as a certain starter if fit and available.

Rooney, Walcott and Defoe weigh up the choices

Rooney, Walcott and Defoe each contributed to the conversation as they assessed how England can make the most of their attacking talent. Their views reflected the challenge facing the national team: choosing the right combination of players to maximise threat from wide positions while maintaining balance across the side.

The video formed part of BBC Sport’s coverage of England Men, offering insight into how former internationals and presenters view the squad’s attacking options. With the tournament nearing, the discussion around England’s wide players is likely to remain a central theme.