Premier League legend Emile Heskey is backing embattled Three Lions star Wayne Rooney as speculations cloud the player’s future.

The Red Devils all-time highest goalscorer is facing trying times for club and country following a sustained drop in form.

The 31-year old star was dropped by national team coach Gareth Southgate for the international fixtures in Juneas he failed to cement his shaky spot in Jose Mourinho’s team.

Heskey, who played for England at the World Cup in South Africa at 32 years, is backing his former league rival to reclaim form and make the list for the World Cup in 2018.
“I played in the national team until I was 32, and I believe Wayne can probably go even longer. I still think he’s got a lot to offer,” Heskey opined.

Since making his debut as a highly-rated teen in 2003, Rooney would be 32 before the event in Russia next year. Southgate says Rooney would need to play regular football to get re-invitation into fold. He is set to miss the World Cup qualifier against Scotland on June 10 in Glasgow and the friendly match against neighbours France three days later.

Rooney started 15 Premier League games this term, scoring eight goals in all competitions – his lowest tally since 2004. He barely got any action in the Europa League final as the game was dead and buried 2-0, so he just came to lift the title as the skipper.

Heskey asked for caution in dismissing experienced players, citing the Euro 2016 as example. He added that he was most impressed with Dele Alli and Harry Kane in the national team. Heskey himself played until 36 at club level with Bolton before hanging the boots but Rooney might not be as fortunate.