Wayne Rooney slams Gareth Southgate treatment of Liverpool star after England snub

Wayne Rooney believes Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah was "mishandled" after his first England call-up by manager Gareth Southgate.

The 21-year-old was a surprise inclusion in England's provisional squad for this summer's European Championships and trained with the Three Lions before last week's 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ultimately, Quansah was one of seven players - along with Liverpool team-mate Curtis Jones - who were left out of England's final 26-man squad for this summer's finals.

But while the likes of James Maddison, Jack Grealish, James Trafford and Jones left the England camp after being told they had no seat on the plane to Germany, Southgate decided to keep Quansah involved in England's preparations for an upcoming friendly match against Iceland.

READ MORE: 'I would be lying' - Anthony Gordon drops another big Liverpool hint after transfer talk

READ MORE: Luis Diaz breaks silence on Liverpool transfer as Barcelona and PSG rumours continue

However, Quansah was overlooked by Southgate for Friday's friendly at Wembley and remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes as the Three Lions suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat nine days before their Group C opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.

And former Everton, Manchester United and England forward Rooney believes Southgate's decision to offer Quansah zero minutes against Iceland was poor management that led to the defender being visibly upset.

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 watched him after the game, I was on the side of the pitch doing TV, and I watched every player walk around the pitch after the game. As soon as the final whistle went Quansah goes in.

“Straight away you have a split. He has probably seen nobody got injured, and I felt for him, as he was probably in having a shower and leaving and he was the only one there.

“I think Gareth should have said go home, if there is an injury be ready, and give them that 24 or 48 hours, if anyone gets injured I’ll call you. Otherwise, go on your holidays.”