ROO TURN
Tribute striker will NOT be captain, will NOT wear the No 10 shirt and will NOT be starting the game as Southgate puts foot down
WAYNE ROONEY has been told he will not be captain, will not wear the No.10 shirt, and will not start against USA next week at Wembley.
FA chiefs have delivered a clear message – effectively a slapdown – after what was supposed to be a tribute to England’s record goalscorer turned into a farce.
The FA wanted to keep Rooney’s involvement in next week’s friendly quiet until they were ready to make an announcement. But details were leaked early, causing frustration for manager Gareth Southgate (below). Publicity pictures even showed Rooney in a No.10 shirt, with Southgate said to be considering giving him the iconic number.
But because of a backlash, the FA have now made it clear the tribute to England’s former captain will be done on their terms.
Southgate is determined to avoid upsetting squad members including captain Harry Kane, and Raheem Sterling, who wears No.10. Rooney is likely to come on as a late substitute and could then be given the armband for the closing moments of the game.
England boss Southgate will name his squad for the USA game tomorrow, and Rooney will be in in it, but they also face Croatia three days later in a crucial Nations League fixture. Rooney’s involvement has been an unwelcome distraction. England legend Peter Shilton, who with 125 caps is six clear of Rooney, said it was wrong to give away cheap caps and deny a younger player a place in the squad. But World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst stood up for Rooney and insisted he deserves the recognition. Hurst said: “Rooney has been the best England player of his generation and his contribution deserves to be recognised. I’m glad we’ll see him in an England shirt one last time.
“I’ve read a few comments from former England players, including my old team-mate Peter Shilton, saying that England caps should be earned and not handed out.
“I think Peter is just nervous someone will finally take over his record! In all seriousness, we’re not just talking about any player. We’re talking about the record England cap-holder for an outfield player, the record goalscorer, and someone who has been a fantastic servant for club and country throughout his career.”
The FA have insisted that none of the proceeds from the friendly will go to Rooney’s Foundation, although they will help with several fundraising initiatives.
USA head coach Dave Sarachan has named a 28-strong squad for the friendlies against England and Italy. Newcastle defender Deandre Yedlin, Swansea’s Cameron Carter-vickers and Antonee Robinson of Wigan are all included, along with Fulham midfielder Luca de la Torre.