Jamie Vardy: Leicester striker 'should start ahead of Wayne Rooney'

Jamie Vardy made his England debut against the Republic of Ireland in June 2015

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy should start for England at Euro 2016 ahead of Wayne Rooney, says Foxes assistant manager Craig Shakespeare.

Vardy, 29, scored his first international goal during Saturday's 3-2 win over world champions Germany.

"For me, he's a certainty to go to Euro 2016 and a certainty to play," Shakespeare told Adrian Chiles on BBC Radio 5 live's Daily programme.

"He must be a nightmare to play against."

Rooney, 30, has scored 51 goals in 109 England appearances but has netted only seven times in the Premier League this season.

Vardy, meanwhile, has scored 19 league goals to help propel Leicester five points clear the top of the table with seven matches remaining.

The former Fleetwood Town striker is set to play for England against the Netherlands at Wembley on Tuesday.

• Listen: 'You have to take Rooney to the Euros'

Manchester United striker Rooney is recovering from a knee injury which has sidelined him since 13 February.

England manager Roy Hodgson said his captain remains a major part of his plans in the build-up to Euro 2016 this summer.

Shakespeare, however, believes Vardy should be picked ahead of Rooney.

"I would love to be in a position to choose between him and Rooney," he said. "My money, at the moment, would go to Jamie purely on form.

"When we brought him to Leicester we told him he had the attributes to go as far as he wanted. I don't think he really believed it.

"We've seen him go from strength to strength and I'd love to see him play down the middle for England in the Euros and actually do something for his country.

"By that I mean get as far as we possibly can."

• Adrian Chiles will be live in Leicester Market from 10:00 BST on Tuesday, looking at what Leicester City's incredible season is doing for the city. He will speak to fans and former Leicester players Steve Walsh, Muzzy Izzet and Gary Lineker.