Cape Town - Former England captain John Terry has defended Wayne Rooney in the wake of the national media criticism due to indifferent performances.
The debate, of why he's being utilised in a deep midfield role when he was once considered one of the best forwards in the country, has dragged on to a point where the Manchester United man has been dropped to the bench under interim Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
He was booed by England fans at Wembley towards the end of their 2-0 victory over Malta on Saturday and widely criticised by pundits for his uninspiring displays of late.
Rooney's absence from the starting XI against Slovenia will be watched with a close eye by all his detractors on Tuesday, but in the wake of the debate, Terry has weighed in with his opinion via social media.
"England's highest record goalscorer in the history of our game," the Chelsea defender wrote on Instagram. "Soon to be the most capped player our great country has ever produced.
"One of the very best players I have seen and had the pleasure playing with in my lifetime and a man who has given everything for England.
"An absolute LEGEND at Everton, Man Utd, England and world football," he added.
"We should all show more respect to this great player and man. Let's all get behind Wayne and the England team tomorrow."