Rooney On Captaining England

Last updated : 16 November 2009 By Utd Mad Ed

 

Rooney took the roll he seemed always destined to take after Chelsea’s John Terry failed to recover from an ankle injury that he picked up in training.

The United striker was proud to wear the captain’s armband, but was disappointed that he could not inspire the side to a win against the World Champions.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "I am really proud to have been captain. I was delighted to get the job. It was a great thing for me to lead the England side out although I wanted the win.

"You dream when you are a kid of doing that and don't think it will ever happen - but it has - and my family will be full of pride.

"Fabio Capello told me on Friday on the training pitch that if JT wasn't fit, I would be captain. I wanted JT to be fit but I am delighted when the manager praises me.

"He is a top-class manager who has won trophies and it is nice to hear."

Rooney added: "I'd love to have another go at the captaincy if the chance ever came. But I wanted the win and I think we can play a lot better. They scored early in the second-half when we were a bit slow but we had a lot of players missing.

"The first-half was quite even but in the second-half they were the better side and deserved the victory.

"I try my hardest. That is the kind of player I am. I did not change my game too much. It wasn't going my way at times but at least I tried my hardest."