England great Alan Shearer believes Wayne Rooney still has a huge role to play for club and country.

Rooney, 30, has been dropped from Manchester United's starting line-up due to his form, but he remains England captain.

Shearer, who made 63 appearances for his country, backed Rooney to bounce back, although his best position remains uncertain.

"Jose [Mourinho, United manager] hasn't played him centre forward as of yet, he has played Ibra [Zlatan Ibrahimovic], with him perhaps just in behind or on the right side of midfield," he said.

"He still has a massive part to play, there is no doubt about it.

"I think, by his own admission, he certainly isn't as quick as he once was but that happens to everyone, you don't need anyone to tell you that is the case.

"He will know that and probably gets fed up of people reminding him of that, but he still has a hell of a lot to offer."

As for Rooney's England place, Shearer said: "Someone has to come and take his spot, grab his spot.

"First and foremost, he has to start and play for Manchester United or otherwise he might not get in that England team."

England are preparing for interim manager Gareth Southgate's first games in charge – World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia.