‘fearless’

Rooney believes youthful England have a bright future under Southgate

under Sven Goran Eriksson (below), Steve Mcclaren, Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson and Sam Allardyce – simply declared: “Fearless.”

Rooney said: “A lot of the other managers didn’t really give the youth the opportunity to express themselves and come into the team and have an impact.

“Gareth has done that, bringing a lot of young players through, giving them experience but also giving them belief they can perform well and be successful for their country.

“Of the six managers I played for, while there were a few individual young players coming through, to bring so many through as a group and have that trust in them, deserves a lot of credit.”

Rooney trod a diplomatic path through questions about his controversial inclusion in England’s squad for tomorrow’s game against the United States.

He confirmed he will not return on loan to a Premier League club, but eventually end his club career with DC United in the States.

Rooney was at most animated when discussing the prospects of this young England squad under Southgate and his staff.

He said: “I saw over two years ago the talent we had with the young players. I believed those players, maybe not in the World Cup but the one after that, would be good enough to have a go at it. They proved me wrong.

“And the coaches are doing a fantastic job.

“I am of the opinion the squad is getting better. I’m excited to see them in the next tournament.” Rooney will deliver his own message to a group trying to build on the momentum generated by that outstanding win in Spain.

And while many believe his cameo appearance devalues the worth of an England cap, there is no doubting how much it will mean to the former Manchester United forward, who scored a record 53 goals in his 13year international career.

He said: “I’m going to enjoy the minutes I get on the pitch. I think it’s a special moment for myself and for my family.

“My youngest boy Cass has never had the opportunity to see me in an England shirt, so it’ll be nice to have the four boys there and have that moment with my children.”

And no matter what your objections to his 120th cap, it is hard to begrudge one of England’s greatest players that moment.