VIDEO: Rooney's captaincy thrill
Sunday, 15 November, 2009
Wayne Rooney says he never dreamed he would captain his country.
Stuart Mawhinney in Doha
Wayne Rooney reflected on the day he led England for the first time, admitting that he never dreamed he would wear the armband for his country.
While five-time World Champions Brazil added to the sense of occasion for many, Rooney says that being captain of England would mean just as much against any team.
Speaking to TheFA.com after the game, Rooney said: "It's a great feeling for myself, something I'm really proud of. But I'm also disappointed with the result, neverless this is something I'll never forget.
"To be honest it doesn't matter. To captain your country is a great honour against any team, they are number one in the world, but it's just a great feeling.
"To be honest I never really dreamed of this. I've always dreamed of playing for England, but never of being captain. It's probably happened quicker than I ever thought it would, but I'm delighted."
Fabio Capello made it clear on Friday when doubts emerged over the availability of John Terry that the Manchester United forward would lead the team out in his absence, but Rooney says he didn't change his game as a result.
"He [Capello] just made me aware that if JT wasn't fit then I'd be captain. It was unlucky that JT wasn't fit for the game, but I just tried to do my best and do what I normally do on the pitch."
Rooney also felt his team could have salvaged a draw on Saturday evening but admitted Brazil were the better team.
“It was a difficult game for us" he said.
"We created some chances and I felt we should have a free kick on the edge of the box in the first half but that is how it goes sometimes.
“Brazil were the better team and they deserved to win.
“We are disappointed with the goal we conceded as we should have put more pressure on the ball before it came into the penalty area - we are disappointed with that and the result.
“It was a difficult game as they move the ball really well and you have to chase, which is hard to do for 90 minutes.
“It is disappointing because we are better than that. Thankfully it was only a friendly, so we will learn and move on."