ROO HAILS ‘FANTASTIC’ LIONS

ENGLAND and Manchester United top career goalscorer Wayne Rooney praised his homeland’s “fantastic” World Cup effort yesterday, cheering the buzz and belief their semifinal run in Russia has inspired.

Rooney appeared at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new home stadium of DC United, where the 32-year-old 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.”

“For the players and Gareth (Southgate), 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.”