England old boys are just jealous
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GAMES TO PLAY Today: England v Croatia (2pm) I want England to do well. I am proud to have played for England so many times. I have always been and I’ve had my time.
“I’m happy with what I’ve contributed and look forward to the next few years and watching this young team impress.
“I am seeing first hand they are getting coached right. I am excited.”
Rooney did not name names when it came to who he has spoken to about the current side’s level of success.
But being an almost permanent fixture in the side from his debut in 2003, he could be referring to any number of players from the so-called ‘Golden Generation’.
Rooney never won a trophy on the international stage but insists he has no regrets. He gave his all and it just wasn’t enough.
He played at six major tournaments during his England career, the Euros in 2004, 2012 and 2016 and World Cups in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
And despite reaching three quarter-finals during his time on international duty, the teams Rooney was a part of which reached the last eight in 2004, 2006 and 2012 were always judged to have underachieved.
That feeling among the general public, of course, changed massively in the summer thanks to the stunning run to the semi-final which included a penalty shootout victory.
But when Rooney looks back at his international career, he insists he wouldn’t change a thing.
“No regrets,” he added.
“I think the main thing is I can look back and say to myself that I gave everything.
“It didn’t always work or pay off but I did give everything I could to make England successful.
“Sometimes everything is not enough but no regrets.
“I had my time, it didn’t work out as hoped in terms of trophies but I’m happy with my international career and I’ll always look back on it as a proud achievement.”