Wayne Rooney 'proud' to lead England into new campaign

Tuesday 02 Sep 2014
Wayne Rooney says he is 'excited' about the future

England captain Wayne Rooney says he will feel proud to lead his country out at Wembley Stadium, and assured fans his new role within the group will not alter his playing style.

The Manchester United striker – also recently handed the armband at club level - has been awarded the captaincy following the international retirement of Steven Gerrard.

England v Norway

International Match
8pm, Wednesday 3 September 2014
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
www.TheFA.com/tickets

And Rooney, 28, says his commitment and focus will not waver – for club or country.

"I'll be myself as captain," he said. "I'm always very demanding of myself and playing for your country that's what everyone has to give.

"It's a great honour to captain my country, I want to be successful and I want this team to be successful.

"As captain you have to take responsibility and be a role model and that's what I want to do. I love playing for my country."

Rooney has been with the England squad since Sunday as they prepare for their international double-header.

The Three Lions take on Norway at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday evening, before travelling to Switzerland for their opening Euro 2016 qualifier on 8 September.

The squad contains a number of new faces, including Calum Chambers, Fabian Delph and Danny Rose. 

Rooney and Hodgson speak to the press

The new skipper said that as a group they are all keen to put the summer behind them and move on as the national team welcomes in a new era.

"We were expecting better from the World Cup but we have to move on and continue on the road we have started on," Rooney added.

"The crowd is going to be a good one - probably still one of highest in Europe. As a team we want to put an exciting performance on.

"We want to win, that's our aim and we'll give everything we can."

England meet Norway at Wembley on Wednesday night to kick off the new season. You can buy tickets online here.


By FA Staff