Roo: New English golden boys can win the medals that eluded me
Wayne Rooney has no regrets when it comes to England.
The former captain has 120 caps and a record-breaking 53 goals to show for the 15 years he served his country with distinction. But no medals. For a player who lifted every trophy he competed for during his peak years with Manchester United, winning is everything.
But the 33-year-old, left close to tears by his sendoff at Wembley on Thursday when England beat the USA in a friendly, insists there will be no recriminations when he looks back on his career.
Rooney said: “The main thing is that I can look back and say to myself that I gave everything.
“It didn’t always pay off. But I’ve given everything playing for England and tried to make us be successful.
“Sometimes giving everything just isn’t enough but I’ve no regrets.
“It didn’t quite work out in terms of trophies. I’m happy with my international career and I’ll always look back and be proud of what I achieved for England.”
Rooney won five Premier League titles with United as well as Champions League, and Europa League medals.
But success has eluded him for England. After a week spent with his national squad, Rooney believes Gareth Southgate could be on the brink of ending the nation’s 52-year wait for a major trophy.
Victory over Croatia today will take them to the Nations League play-offs. And Rooney said: “The team I played in had superstars but so does this team – Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.
“John Stones is one of the best centre-backs in world football.
“I’ve also seen first-hand that they’re getting coached right and the players are responding well to that.
“Everyone can see the potential in the team is huge.
“They have come off the back of a hugely successful World Cup but the win against Spain will give them even more confidence.
“The Nations League isn’t the biggest tournament but it could become he stepping stone for a lot of countries in the next 10-15 years. To win any trophy for England is great. If they can do that then everyone will
be thrilled.”