WAYNE Rooney should play a central role for England against Uruguay tonight, says Derby County legend Roy McFarland.
England take on the South Americans in Sao Paolo tonight (8pm) with both sides looking to get off the mark in World Cup Group D.
While Uruguay suffered a shock 3-1 defeat against Costa Rica, England went down 2-1 against Italy.
Roy Hodgson's side earned praise for a positive display but the performance of Manchester United forward Rooney has been debated, with many questioning whether he is suited for a role on the left, where he started against the Italians.
And McFarland believes that if Hodgson chooses the same starting line-up against Uruguay, he should make a switch, with Raheem Sterling going out to the left and Rooney taking up a central role behind striker Daniel Sturridge.
"If you are going to play Rooney, you need to use his best assets and play him in the position he is most comfortable in," said McFarland, who won 28 full caps for England while with the Rams.
"It was clear against Italy that we were having problems down our left and that needs to be rectified for the Uruguay game.
"Everybody talked afterwards about the 'shift' that he put in and Rooney will always work hard but it's about getting the best out of him.
"The problem against Italy was that it also exposed Leighton Baines on that side as he had an uncomfortable game at left-back. But in his and Rooney's defence I also thought Steven Gerrard could have slotted over a bit more from central midfield to help offer defensive cover on that left side.
"Uruguay might not have the threat down the right side that Italy had but that area of the England team certainly needs looking at.
"I think Raheem Sterling will do a good job on the left and be a threat while Rooney could go in the central area where he is at his most effective."
Defeat tonight for England would virtually end their World Cup hopes but McFarland says there is plenty to be pleased about, whatever the result, when looking to the future.
"I'm so pleased that Roy took the young players so they can experience the World Cup and it will do them the world of good," added the former defender who was in the Rams' two League Championship winning sides in the 1970s.
"At the next World Cup the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard and possibly Rooney too won't be there so it has been so important to take the youngsters and let them learn what a World Cup is like.
"I thought we deserved a draw against Italy and I hope they all gain from the experience.
"Before the tournament began I said I hoped England qualified through the opening group but did not expect them to. If they don't get through it won't be a major setback, it's about the younger players learning.
"I feel certain that they will put in a good performance against Uruguay and whatever happens the future is bright for England."
McFarland has enjoyed the World Cup finals in Brazil so far and has been encouraged by how the European teams have coped with the conditions.
"I think the whole of the football world has been delighted with the games so far," said McFarland.
"Usually the games can be quite low key but this tournament has begun like a whirlwind.
"So far the football has really grabbed people's imaginations.
"The conditions, the humidity can make it difficult for European teams but Holland, Germany, Italy and France have all started superbly, which is very encouraging from a European perspective."
pgreen@derbytelegraph.co.uk
