Southgate says Rooney will continue as England captain

England’s interim manager Gareth Southgate, who will be leading England against Malta at Wembley today week, has confirmed that Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney will continue as England captain.

Southgate took temporary charge of the England team last Tuesday following Sam Allardyce’s departure. According to the official BBC website, he spoke to the Manchester United captain on Thursday.

Rooney, 30, is understood to be seen as a leader by the coaching staff, with Southgate keen to maintain continuity.

The interim manager is to name his squad for England’s World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia tomorrow.

The BBC story went on to say that former England manager Sam Allardyce said in August that it was an “easy decision” to keep Rooney as captain, despite England’s performances at Euro 2016.

Rooney is England’s most capped male outfield player, with 116 appearances.