Wayne Rooney calls for Premier League winter break

Wayne Rooney believes the England national team would benefit from the introduction of a winter break in the Premier League.

The English top flight is currently the only major league in Europe not to incorporate a period of rest during the festive season.

Speaking to the Sunday Express, the England international also suggested the Premier League would reap the rewards of some winter respite.

“A winter break would not only help the England team but the Premier League as well,” said Rooney.

“Towards the end of the season the intensity in some of the games which is normally there is missing. It’s a long season with the intensity the games are played at.

“It is only fair on players that there is a break.”

Rooney, 24, has struggled to rediscover the form which helped propel United towards a title challenge last season. The former Everton striker featured 44 times for his club last year before suffering ankle ligament damage.

And Rooney believes the fast pace of English football is another reason to introduce a winter break.

“It’s great, especially as a forward when the game is end to end and the game opens up. But it’s only in England where you see the game that quick,” he added.