England boss Thomas Tuchel chose to exclude the defender from his expanded 35-man England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in what was a shock omission.
The Madrid defender has not featured for the Three Lions since a World Cup qualifier against Andorra last June and his World Cup are all but over as Tuchel looks over the defender.
Could Bellingham have hurt Trent's England chances?
Speaking on the decision, Rooney suggested that his close ties to Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham could be a factor after he and Tuchel fell out last year.
“The one big surprise was obviously Trent. I find it incredible that he’s not in a 35-man squad. It didn’t sound like there was any way back for Trent the way Tuchel spoke. He should be in that squad, his ability, his quality.
“I’ve said it many times and I’m sure he’d say himself that he’s not the best defender, but what he has on the ball is something no other English player has. He’s been playing recently and he’s been playing really well.
“There’s an argument he should be starting, so not having him in the squad, it feels a little bit deeper,” Rooney explained. “I know he’s good mates with Jude and it looks like there’s been a few issues with Jude, so maybe he feels there’s a clique there and he’s trying to split it up. I don’t know what the reasons are.”
Why was Trent left out?
Tuchel spoke on his choice as he picked a triple Newcastle United defence who could lead the backline at the World Cup.
"It's a sporting decision. We stick with Tino Livramento, Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah who can all play at right full-back.
"It's a tough one, it's a big name, a huge talent and a big career, but I know what Trent can give us and have decided to stick with the players we have."