Roy Hodgson should seriously consider dropping Wayne Rooney

At the beginning of the season, Wayne Rooney looked like he'd be an integral part of England's plans at the World Cup. 

With a bumper contract, and a screamer against West Ham, the sky was the limit for Wayne Rooney. 

However, times have changed for the United's number nine. 

After a call of revolution for English players in the Premier League by Roy Hodgson and Greg Dyke, a new crop of exciting, young and energetic English players has emerged. 

For the precise reason we fell in love with Wayne Rooney at the 2004 European Championships, he may have to make way for more unpredictable players.

Seeing Adam Lallana play consistently well for Southampton this season, it's evident that he'll be going to Brazil, however where does Roy Hodgson fit him in his side?

Playing him on the left-wing could result in his creativity being wasted as he will be responsible for tracking back with opposition full-backs. Instead, he should be given the number 10 role, where he is given the freedom to drift and make runs behind the opposition. His athleticism and skill should not be taken for granted, as he is one of the most intelligent footballers England have at this time. 

With Stirling and Townsend on both wings, this would cause a much greater threat to any team, mainly due to the unpredictable they would bring to the side.  

Unfortunately with Wayne Rooney, he's becoming easier to handle every season. As his pace slowly deteriorates, defences are finding it comfortable to let him play in front of them as they know he won't cause any danger. Taking the Everton game for example, Distin and Stones let Rooney run away from them and collect the ball; as long as he was in front of them, and their defence stayed compact, they were confident he wouldn't cause any danger. 

Rooney has failed to deliver in the big-games this season. In the embarrassments against Manchester City and Liverpool, he  was unsuccessful in driving his United side in making any sort of comeback. 

This is also the player who is rumoured to become Manchester United captain next season. Based on what? Reputation alone. 

If Roy Hodgson truly wants to revolutionise English football, he'll make the hard decisions. Such as leaving out Ashley Cole for Luke Shaw. 

In Hodgson's defence, Rooney is another conundrum, however if the England manager wants to play exciting, vibrant football, Rooney should be sitting on the bench for that first game against Italy on the 14th of June.