Wayne Rooney injury: Watford's Troy Deeney should replace Manchester United star in England squad says Quique Sanchez Flores

Quique Sanchez Flores has urged England manager Roy Hodgson to replace injured Wayne Rooney with Watford star Troy Deeney for the upcoming friendly fixtures against Germany and the Netherlands in March. The Manchester United captain picked up a knee injury and missed his side's Europa League defeat to FC Midtjylland on 18 February.

Louis van Gaal confirmed Rooney's latest injury setback but admitted that he is unsure as to when the frontman will return to action. According to the Guardian, the former Everton man is expected to be on the sidelines for up to two months.

Deeney has been in fine form for Watford in the 2015/16 season as he has already scored nine goals in all competitions and registered six assists. Flores believes the 27-year-old's form deserves him to be picked in place of Rooney for England squad.

"He has the characteristics to play in the high, high level of the national team, but it's the responsibility of the manager of the national team," Flores said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"I respect Hodgson a lot, he knows perfectly the players he has to choose. But the season of Deeney is completely amazing, he's amazing for us and we have the hope that he goes to the list for the Euros.

"It's amazing opportunity for our player, for Troy Deeney. He has this kind of a spirit, the English spirit, he represents very well the characteristics of the English players. It would be perfect for the player, it would be perfect for Watford, it would be perfect for everyone."

John Barnes was the last Watford player to have made it to the national side 29 years ago. Flores says Deeney's potential selection for the Three Lions will be a massive boost for the club.

"When you put one player of Watford in the national team it's good, it means Watford are working well if we are able to put players in the national team," Watford manager explained.

"(It shows) we are getting objectives, we are hitting targets, because the players improve, the team improve, the club improve and it's one more reason to think that something that is happening at Watford is going the right way.

"The club, with respect to the history of the club — it's a really, really historic club in England — but it's really important to situate this team on the map of the big teams."