If Sam Allardyce thought he was going to enjoy a honeymoon in his first days as England manager, he’d better think again.
Big Sam’s first game in charge of the Three Lions ended with a win – just about – as Adam Lallana scored a 95th-minute winner against Slovakia in Trnava.
The new man in charge was praised for his substitutions as England picked up the pace in the final quarter of the game, but there is already one subject of furious debate which threatens to loom large over his tenure.
Wayne Rooney might be his country’s all-time leading goalscorer, but he came in for heavy criticism from disgruntled fans for hindering England’s attacking play during the World Cup qualifier.
Allardyce allowed his captain to operate in a deep midfield role, which not only rendered him largely ineffective, it also stifled service to Harry Kane.
But while supporters will be hoping Allardyce takes note, there’s little sign of that happening, as he seems happy to give Rooney a free rein.
“Wayne played wherever he wanted to. I can’t stop Wayne playing there,” the former Sunderland, West Ham, Newcastle, and Bolton manager told reporters.
And any hopes that Allardyce had been brought in to stamp his authority on the team look to be fading. As always, Rooney looks to be running the show, and it continues to hold England back.
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