Wayne Rooney says he ‘felt for’ Jarrell Quansah as he criticises Gareth Southgate’s decision to include Liverpool defender in Iceland squad

Wayne Rooney was unimpressed by Gareth Southgate’s decision to include Jarrell Quansah in Friday’s squad against Iceland, having already confirmed he will not feature in the European Championship.

Quansah was one of seven players from Southgate’s provisional squad to miss out on selection for Euro 2024.

The announcement was made on Thursday, a day before the Three Lions hosted Iceland at Wembley.

While the likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison quickly headed home after their omissions, Quansah remained with the team.

Southgate decided to involve Quansah and even included him in Friday’s matchday squad, with the player officially on standby for Germany.

Quansah remained an unused substitute and Rooney feels there was no need to have him there despite his standby status.

Speaking about the incident on The Overlap, Rooney said: ‘That’s why I think Gareth should have sent them all home. [after telling them they won’t be picked].

“He kept Quansah there and I was watching him after the game, I was standing at the side of the field watching TV and I saw every player walking around the field after the game.

‘As soon as the final whistle blows, Quansah goes in. You have an instant break. He probably saw that no one was hurt, and I felt bad for him since he was probably showering and leaving and he was the only one there.

“I think Gareth should have said go home, be prepared if there is an injury and give them 24 or 48 hours. If anyone gets hurt, I’ll call you. Otherwise, go on holiday.’

Speaking about his decision, Southgate said: “Jarell has stayed with us. He hasn’t had the experience of an England international at Wembley yet so I think it will be great for him to be with us for that match.

“We’ll go from there and hopefully we won’t have to call anyone else.”