In the leadup to England and France’s World Cup third place play-off, Wayne Rooney has pointed out one rule that doesn’t quite make sense.
Both sides will be looking to give their fans something to cheer about after they crashed out of the competition in the semi-finals, and there’s an added motivation for some of their biggest stars.
Any goals scored in this consolation game will count towards the Golden Boot race. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are all still in contention.
Wayne Rooney doesn’t think England vs France should count towards Golden Boot
This has been one of the most memorable Golden Boot races in World Cup history. The best players from around the world have racked up the goals at this tournament.
Kane and Bellingham have managed six apiece, with Erling Haaland on seven, and Lionel Messi and Mbappe each on eight.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the Manchester United legend explained his problem with the third place play-off.
He said: ““Well, Harry Kane and Jude will want to [play against France], they can get the Golden Boot.
“Which I don’t know whether goals in this game should count, because you’ve been knocked out of the tournament. It’s weird.”
Messi stands to lose out the most with this rule. He has reached the final, but could be eclipsed by a player who was eliminated fair and square. Mbappe needs just one, while the England duo would each need three to get out in front.
As much as he disagrees with the rule, Rooney is still backing his fellow countrymen to pull off the shock feat.
He added: “No, no, I know. Listen, I hope one of them go and get a hat-trick and do get it.”
Really, this is a small sub-plot in the game. The important thing is that England win, to soften the blow of their dramatic exit to Argentina. Who scores the goals will matter little.
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