David Beckham insists Wayne Rooney must start for England at Euro 2016

Former England captain David Beckham thinks Wayne Rooney should still be the Three Lions' main man at Euro 2016. The 40-year-old star believes Rooney ought to be an automatic selection for England manager Roy Hodgson.

Rooney's place has been brought into question in recent months, due to his lack of form and concerns about his fitness. He also faces stiff competition from the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane.

But when he was asked if he would start the striker at the Euros, Beckham told talkSPORT: "Without a doubt. He is our captain, he is the most experienced player we have got. It is all about having options but, for me, if you have got a fit Wayne Rooney then he should start."

The former Manchester United star said Rooney is more experienced than his rivals, which ought to give him the edge when it comes to selection at the tournament. England will face Wales, Russia and Slovakia during the group phase of the competition in France.

"He has got that experience, players respect him, and we all love the way Wayne Rooney plays the game, especially the way he plays for England. You can tell he cares. He will give everything," Beckham said.

"The thing you will get with Wayne is not just the hard work and everything he does, but he scores in big games."