Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has sent a warning to Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this month.

Rooney has warned Sterling that Arsenal star Bukayo Saka could keep him out of the England starting XI at the World Cup.

“On the right, it’s a difficult one,” Rooney told The Times. “For England, Sterling has been very good and Saka is a top player, so I would play either of them off the right.

“The idea would be for Trent [Alexander-Arnold] to push on down the flank and for them to come in to provide a second No 10. It would cause teams problems.

“I played many games with Sterling and he improved a lot. Working with Pep Guardiola at City improved him tactically and he has become good at the simple things, which maybe he wasn’t before.

“He can score goals, create goals, he’s quick and can beat a man. As shown in the past two tournaments, he can be a crucial player for England.

“Saka puts Sterling under pressure, though. He plays with no fear and we’ve been talking about players not being in club form, but he is the opposite: he has been in great form for Arsenal.

“They’re great options for Gareth and I think in different games he’ll change his team up. I don’t think anyone could complain whichever one is chosen.”