Rooney lauds ‘fantastic’ England World Cup campaign

WASHINGTON: England and Manchester United top career goalscorer Wayne Rooney (pic) praised his homeland’s “fantastic” World Cup effort, cheering the buzz and belief their semi-final run in Russia has inspired.

Rooney appeared at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new US$200mil (RM804mil) home stadium of DC United, where the 32-yearold striker makes his Major League Soccer debut on Saturday against Vancouver.

“They are doing fantastic. Hopefully we can get the win,” Rooney said. “It’s great. You see the atmosphere back home. There are billions watching it. Hopefully we can get through and go on to the final.”

Manager Gareth Southgate’s England squad will face Croatia in a today semi-final for a berth in Sunday’s championship match against either France or Belgium.

“For the players and Gareth, I wish them massive good luck. They are making us all proud,” Rooney said.

“Hopefully they can get that one step further and get to the final and bring the Cup home.

“I’ve enjoyed all the buzz coming out of this. We’re enjoying it and we believe.” — AFP