New England boss Sam Allardyce says Wayne Rooney will take on an attacking role in his side despite being listed as a midfielder when the squad was announced.
On Sunday, Allardyce named his first squad since replacing Roy Hodgson as England boss ahead of the opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in Slovakia on Sept. 4.
Rooney, who played in a deeper role under Hodgson at Euro 2016 with mixed success, was listed among the midfielders among the 23-man selection but Allardyce told reporters that had little bearing on his thinking.
"Not really," he said. "Should we say attacking midfield player or should we say striker? Wayne's position's changed at Manchester United and that's the sort of position I'd be looking to play him."
�� @OfficialBigSam names his first #ThreeLions squad, with a debut call-up for @WestHamUtd winger @Michailantonio. pic.twitter.com/TbEeMzBzEA
- England (@England) August 28, 2016
Allardyce did not confirm whether Rooney will continue as captain, though, saying he will announce his decision after meeting the players.
The former Sunderland manager also called West Ham winger Michail Antonio into the squad for the first time while leaving out in-form Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.
He said it had been a "very, very difficult decision" to leave Barkley out but felt Antonio warranted a call-up, having started his career with non-league Tooting & Mitcham United, later impressing with Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest before making his mark in the Premier League after his transfer to West Ham last summer.
"His journey means he's someone I need to have a look at," Allardyce said. "It's a bit similar to Jamie Vardy."
He said the 26-year-old's rise showed he had "guts and determination and desire" like Vardy and added: "The quality of the player has shone through in every game he's played in."
Allardyce had also allowed Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford to be selected in Gareth Southgate's England under-21 squad prior to the 18-year-old's winning goal against Hull City at the weekend.
Rashford, who impressed during his cameo appearances for Hodgson's England at Euro 2016, has been used sparingly under new United boss Jose Mourinho, making two 20-minute appearances from the bench in all competitions, and Allardyce said the priority must be making sure the youngster gets game time.
Allardyce said: "I think that having international experience in U21s will be invaluable for us later down the line. If he's breaking into the Manchester United team he'll be in my squad.
"Because of his inclusion as a substiture the value of having a full game with Gareth will be vital.
"He's only a young man. Let's not heap too much pressure on him just yet. Hopefully he's a star for them and scores goals for them and puts pressure on me to include him next time"
Allardyce also confirmed that John Stones, Eric Dier and Kyle Walker are fit despite injury concerns over the weekend.