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LONDON. — Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is facing the biggest fight of his 13-year international career to hold onto his England place going into the European Championships.

England’s talisman ever since he burst onto the scene as a preternaturally gifted 18-year-old at Euro 2004, Rooney has gone to five major tournaments as one of the first names on the team-sheet.

But competition from emerging stars such as Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, coupled with doubts about his own form and fitness, mean that England’s all-time record goal-scorer is no longer an automatic pick.

“As I’ve said throughout my career with Manchester United and England, I never take my place for granted,” Rooney (30) conceded recently.

“First of all I want England to be successful and win trophies, and obviously it is great if I can be a part of that.” — AFP.