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Liverpool legend Carragher tells Hodgson: Back Sturridge over Rooney

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher doesn't believe Danny Sturridge and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney should play in the same England team.

Carragher wrote in the Daily Mail: "Rooney has been criticised for his performances in tournaments since Portugal 2004. I don't think his ability is in question, more his adaptability to play in those conditions at the end of a season.

"There have been plenty of times when I've seen him looking shattered as we've struggled to keep the ball, and he's chasing shadows.

"With three games in quick succession, what would Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho or Arsene Wenger do at club level towards the end of a season? They would rotate. We never do it, as there's a fear that if it goes wrong, the manager will be hung out to dry. But the manager needs to make bold decisions.

"Rooney and Sturridge with Welbeck as a front three gives versatility and unpredictability. They can all play from the flanks or through the middle, so there can be lots of interchanging, which would mean Italy could never relax.

"Rooney and Sturridge are two of the best players in the squad and I have no doubt they could be dangerous as a pair, but in the biggest games against top opposition I don't think there's room for both through the middle."

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