Sam Allardyce got off to a winning start as England manager, but his post-match comments have angered a good section of the Three Lions’ support.
Adam Lallana’s last-gasp goal – his first at senior international level – secured a 1-0 victory over 10-man Slovakia in the first qualification game for the 2018 World Cup.
It wasn’t the best of performances, and questions were asked of Wayne Rooney’s tendency to drop deeper and deeper from his advanced role – and Allardyce’s explanation did nothing to reassure those concerned about a repeat of the captain’s dismal midfield display in the Euro 2016 exit against Iceland.
Allardyce said after the victory that he “can’t stop” Rooney playing deeper, despite seemingly admitting that the Manchester United man had gone against his instructions.
“Wayne played wherever he wanted,” said Allardyce. “He was brilliant and controlled midfield. I can’t stop Wayne playing there.”
While Rooney may have more experience of international football than the new England boss, it was a curious statement and one which was met with dumbfounded reactions.
https://twitter.com/eaamalyon/status/772496473900580864
Massive quotes from Allardyce on Rooney. Effectively handed carte blanche for two years. Jesus.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) September 4, 2016
Having slept on it Allardyce's Rooney comments remain just as jaw-droppingly bizarre.
— Stephen Tudor (@SteTudor123) September 5, 2016
Allardyce's comments on Rooney after the Slovakia game were accompanied by footage of Fonzie jumping a shark. We hope. Incredible
— Magic Spongers (@magicspongers) September 4, 2016
Never has a manager sounded more out of his depth than Allardyce basing saying he's too in awe of Rooney to manage him properly. Ridiculous
— will hardy (@wiliamhardy) September 4, 2016
Hah! I missed that Sam Allardyce had said, "I don't need to tell Wayne Rooney where to play – he knows what to do." Head, desk, repeat.
— Huw Davies (@thehuwdavies) September 4, 2016
It was not the response that many fans will have wanted, especially after the disillusionment that followed the Iceland game, the last under previous manager Roy Hodgson.
Many had hoped for a stricter attitude from Allardyce – regarded as a no-nonsense manager based on his spells in charge of Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United and, latterly, Sunderland.
"Who am I to tell Wayne where to play?…He has a lot more experience at international football than me."
Sam Allardyce, England MANAGER
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) September 4, 2016
Allardyce has made himself look very weak by saying about Rooney "It's not for me to say where he's going to play" #England #ENGSLO
— Matt Mundy 🔰 (@MattLMundy) September 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/MitchMoth/status/772535837481467904
Good grief. Those Allardyce quotes about Rooney are absolutely pathetic.
— New Year Same Carl (@CarlosGrisJamon) September 5, 2016
