Related News
Rooney returns to captain England in Scotland clash
Print Edition
STRIKER Wayne Rooney will return to England’s starting line-up as captain for today’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland as his experience in the tense encounter will be vital for the young squad, interim manager Gareth Southgate said.
Rooney was dropped from the starting team for England’s lackluster Group F qualifier draw with Slovenia last month and has been largely used as a substitute by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
Rooney takes the captain’s armband back from Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson, who Southgate confirmed will start. “Yes, he is,” Southgate told reporters yesterday when asked if Rooney will captain the side against Scotland.
The 31-year-old Rooney recently broke his 11-game lean spell for United when he scored in the 1-2 Europa League defeat by Turkish side Fenerbahce last week. He subsequently returned to the club’s Premier League starting line-up in last Sunday’s win over Swansea City.
“(Rooney) is in a better place than he was (before) ... in terms of his sharpness. There was no hesitation from me in selecting him,” Southgate added. “He’s playing well for Manchester United, I think he’s a player who (needs to) get into a rhythm.
“Wayne uses his experience very well, especially for the younger lads. He’s a big part in trying to get the victory.”
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is also in contention to start after proving his fitness in training following his comeback from a seven-week layoff with an ankle injury.
Following England’s goalless draw in Slovenia and an underwhelming home win over Malta in World Cup qualifiers last month, Southgate has two more games to convince the Football Association that he is the right man for the job.
Southgate, however, said he has given little thought over the possibility of taking up the England job on a permanent basis.
“For me, what happens to me is not important, we have to win this game for the country, and because we want to be top of the group and heading to Russia,” said the former England Under-21 coach. “Hundred percent, my focus is on the match and I think it would irresponsible and unprofessional for it to be any other way.”
England currently tops Group F with seven points from three games, while Scotland sits fourth with four points.
England hosts Spain in a friendly on Tuesday, for what will be the last game of Southgate’s four-match stint following the departure of Sam Allardyce.
Southgate was reluctant to voice interest in taking on the role full-time, but FA chief executive Martin Glenn is hopeful he will put his name forward.
“We get through the next two games and then we are going to put our heads together, talk to Gareth and really understand what his level of interest is in the role,” Glenn said at the Sport Industry Breakfast Club in London. “I hope he is interested and wants to put his hat in the ring.”
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
