Roy Hodgson Says Wayne Rooney's Spot on England Squad Not Always Guaranteed

For better or worse, Wayne Rooney has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for the England national team over the past few years. That may no longer be the case.

Three Lions coach Roy Hodgson maintains that Rooney continues to be a key figure for the team, but the stranglehold he once seemingly had on a starting spot is nonexistent.

"At the moment, that day has not arrived and, with any luck, it won't arrive because he will continue to play well and he will continue to merit his place," Hodgson responded when asked whether he was considering dropping Rooney altogether, per the Guardian's Daniel Taylor. "We will still talk as warmly about him after the tournament in June as we are now—but there is no guarantee."

Hodgson followed up by saying no player of his will ever have a guaranteed place and that he "would take umbrage if that day ever arrived."

You could certainly envision a future in which the 68-year-old opts to play some combination of Harry Kane, Theo Walcott, Danny Ings and/or Daniel Sturridge at the top of his attack, leaving Rooney on the outside looking in.

The Manchester United striker has endured a brutal start to the 2015/16 season, with each week bringing another listless performance. Football writer Graham Ruthven was critical of Rooney following Manchester United's 2-1 win Wednesday over Wolfsburg in the Champions League:    

In the event Hodgson does plan on giving Rooney a diminished role in the national team, he may do so sooner rather than later.

England have already qualified for the 2016 European Championship. Their remaining qualifying matches against Estonia and Lithuania hold little to no significance in terms of the final result, making it the perfect time for the manager to experiment with his lineup and tactical plan.

Plus, dropping Rooney now might light a fire under the 29-year-old, helping him to snap out of his poor run of form.