England batting great <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/joe-root" rel="dofollow">Joe Root</a> has plenty to look forward to this season, with the five-match home Test series against India and away Ashes later in the year, but what he is not keen on picking is England&rsquo;s white-ball captaincy. Following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jos-buttler" rel="dofollow">Jos Buttler</a>&rsquo;s departure as the ODI and T20I captain, the ECB has been on his replacement lookout, with Root also considered a potential option.
Root, who led England in Tests from 2017 to 2022, said the captaincy ship sailed long back and that he harbours different ambitions. Although Root denied thinking about wearing the captaincy hat once again, he put pride alongside it, saying that whosoever is chosen (to succeed Buttler) shall get an opportunity to do a brilliant job.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ex-bengal-batter-backs-claims-against-kkr-pitch-curator-says-nothing-new-shreevats-goswami-ipl-2025-8900669" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Ex-Bengal batter backs claims against KKR pitch curator, says &lsquo;Nothing new&hellip;&rsquo;</a>
"I don't think so,&rdquo; Root said of becoming England&rsquo;s next white-ball captain while chatting with Sky Sports. "I think that ship's sailed. I think I've done my time as a captain in England, but I'm sure whoever gets the opportunity to do it will be extremely proud and do a brilliant job.&rdquo;
<h2>Time for reset</h2>
Meanwhile, England&rsquo;s first-round exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 saw Buttler resign as England captain, with Root taking positives out of a shallow campaign. He said England has a great chance to reset and take things forward, trying to scale the heights they did after the 2015 WC debacle.
"The Champions Trophy was disappointing. We didn't play anywhere near what we're capable of, but there's so much talent and so much more to come from that team.
"I think it's a really good opportunity to reset and to move forward again as a group and get back to the heights that we know we're capable of and where we were in and around that 2015 to 2019 phase [winning the World Cup in 2019],&rdquo; Root added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-lsg-sanjeev-goenka-hugs-team-captain-rishabh-pant-in-heartfelt-moment-watch-srh-8900067" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka hugs team captain Pant in heartfelt moment &ndash; Watch</a>
Meanwhile, emerging star batter Harry Brook and former World Cup Ben Stokes are the leading contenders for England&rsquo;s white-ball captaincy, with opener Ben Duckett admitting living his dream should he get picked, but that looks unlikely. &nbsp;
England&rsquo;s home Test series against India begins on June 20 in Leeds.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Joe Root, who led England in Tests from 2017 to 2022, said the captaincy ship sailed long back and that he harbours different ambitions.

England batting great Joe Root has plenty to look forward to this season, with the five-match home Test series against India and away Ashes later in the year, but what he is not keen on picking is England’s white-ball captaincy. Following Jos Buttler’s departure as the ODI and T20I captain, the ECB has been on his replacement lookout, with Root also considered a potential option. Root, who led England in Tests from 2017 to 2022, said the captaincy ship sailed long back and that he harbours different ambitions. Although Root denied thinking about wearing the captaincy hat once again, he put pride alongside it, saying that whosoever is chosen (to succeed Buttler) shall get an opportunity to do a brilliant job. Also read | IPL 2025: Ex-Bengal batter backs claims against KKR pitch curator, says ‘Nothing new…’ "I don't think so,” Root said of becoming England’s next white-ball captain while chatting with Sky Sports. "I think that ship's sailed. I think I've done my time as a captain in England, but I'm sure whoever gets the opportunity to do it will be extremely proud and do a brilliant job.” Time for reset Meanwhile, England’s first-round exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 saw Buttler resign as England captain, with Root taking positives out of a shallow campaign. He said England has a great chance to reset and take things forward, trying to scale the heights they did after the 2015 WC debacle. "The Champions Trophy was disappointing. We didn't play anywhere near what we're capable of, but there's so much talent and so much more to come from that team. "I think it's a really good opportunity to reset and to move forward again as a group and get back to the heights that we know we're capable of and where we were in and around that 2015 to 2019 phase [winning the World Cup in 2019],” Root added. Also read | IPL 2025: LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka hugs team captain Pant in heartfelt moment – Watch Meanwhile, emerging star batter Harry Brook and former World Cup Ben Stokes are the leading contenders for England’s white-ball captaincy, with opener Ben Duckett admitting living his dream should he get picked, but that looks unlikely. England’s home Test series against India begins on June 20 in Leeds. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Root eyes India Tests, Ashes but not England’s white-ball captaincy

England captain and veteran batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jos-buttler" rel="dofollow">Jos Buttler</a> addressed the elephant in the room after his side&rsquo;s successive loss in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy</a>, this time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-ibrahims-177-helps-afghanistan-knock-out-england-8759862" rel="dofollow">against Afghanistan by just eight runs</a>. England&rsquo;s second defeat on the trot has knocked them out of the semis race, as they become the third team after hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh to get eliminated from the first showpiece event of the year.
England getting ruled out inside the group stage raises questions over the team&rsquo;s ODI future, which once sat on the pedestal, having won the ODI World Cup six years ago at home. Barring last year&rsquo;s T20 World Cup in the Americas, where they lost to India in the semis, England failed to reach the knockouts in the two 50-over tournaments in the past two years, putting pressure on the management and Butter over their positions in the side.
Buttler faces heat over his leadership role, and after suffering another shocker against Afghanistan at this year&rsquo;s eight-team event, he knows he could face the axe.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-pakistan-is-on-the-bottom-admits-coach-aaqib-javed-after-early-exit-for-hosts-and-defending-champions-8759531" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy: 'Pakistan is at the bottom,' admits coach Aaqib Javed after early exit for hosts and defending champions</a>
Reflecting on the same after the game in Lahore, the English captain said, "It's tough to say; stood here right now, and I don't want to make any sort of emotional statements."&nbsp;
"But I think it's fair to say that you've got to consider all possibilities.
"I've enjoyed it [the captaincy]. I've seen lots of people say it doesn't sit well with me, but I do enjoy it. I enjoy the challenge. Obviously, I don't enjoy losing games of cricket and the results. And of course, when they're not going well, you do look at yourself in the mirror and say, 'Am I part of the problem or am I part of the solution?' I think that's what I've got to work out,&rdquo; he added in a chat with Sky Sports.
<h2>&lsquo;I enjoy leading&rsquo;</h2>
Buttler is a seasoned campaigner, a trusted team man and a proven leader; however, outcomes sometimes take a toll even on the best of them, so how could Buttler be spared?&nbsp;
Talking about leadership, Buttler admitted enjoying this responsibility but didn&rsquo;t shy away from adding that he needs to take some time off before debating his future as England&rsquo;s white-ball captain.
&ldquo;You [the press] are probably not the first people I'd discuss that with," he said.
&ldquo;I'll take a little bit of time to work out, personally, what I think is right, and, obviously, the guys at the top are in charge, and they'll have their own views as well.
&ldquo;I enjoy leading. Even before, when I wasn't captain, I'd like to think of myself as a leader in the team, but results are tough, and they weigh heavy at times. Of course, you want to be leading a winning team, and we haven't been that for a while now, so obviously that brings some difficult moments,&rdquo; he added.
Meanwhile, England&rsquo;s last league game against South Africa (March 1) might be a dead rubber for them, but could contribute to the Group standings should they beat the Proteas.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Under Jos, England failed to reach the semis in the last two 50-over tournaments, with the English captain admitting to fearing losing the white-ball captaincy.

England captain and veteran batter Jos Buttler addressed the elephant in the room after his side’s successive loss in the ongoing Champions Trophy, this time against Afghanistan by just eight runs. England’s second defeat on the trot has knocked them out of the semis race, as they become the third team after hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh to get eliminated from the first showpiece event of the year. England getting ruled out inside the group stage raises questions over the team’s ODI future, which once sat on the pedestal, having won the ODI World Cup six years ago at home. Barring last year’s T20 World Cup in the Americas, where they lost to India in the semis, England failed to reach the knockouts in the two 50-over tournaments in the past two years, putting pressure on the management and Butter over their positions in the side. Buttler faces heat over his leadership role, and after suffering another shocker against Afghanistan at this year’s eight-team event, he knows he could face the axe. Also read | Champions Trophy: 'Pakistan is at the bottom,' admits coach Aaqib Javed after early exit for hosts and defending champions Reflecting on the same after the game in Lahore, the English captain said, "It's tough to say; stood here right now, and I don't want to make any sort of emotional statements." "But I think it's fair to say that you've got to consider all possibilities. "I've enjoyed it [the captaincy]. I've seen lots of people say it doesn't sit well with me, but I do enjoy it. I enjoy the challenge. Obviously, I don't enjoy losing games of cricket and the results. And of course, when they're not going well, you do look at yourself in the mirror and say, 'Am I part of the problem or am I part of the solution?' I think that's what I've got to work out,” he added in a chat with Sky Sports. ‘I enjoy leading’ Buttler is a seasoned campaigner, a trusted team man and a proven leader; however, outcomes sometimes take a toll even on the best of them, so how could Buttler be spared? Talking about leadership, Buttler admitted enjoying this responsibility but didn’t shy away from adding that he needs to take some time off before debating his future as England’s white-ball captain. “You [the press] are probably not the first people I'd discuss that with," he said. “I'll take a little bit of time to work out, personally, what I think is right, and, obviously, the guys at the top are in charge, and they'll have their own views as well. “I enjoy leading. Even before, when I wasn't captain, I'd like to think of myself as a leader in the team, but results are tough, and they weigh heavy at times. Of course, you want to be leading a winning team, and we haven't been that for a while now, so obviously that brings some difficult moments,” he added. Meanwhile, England’s last league game against South Africa (March 1) might be a dead rubber for them, but could contribute to the Group standings should they beat the Proteas. (With inputs from agencies)

England skipper Jos Buttler admits captaincy is at stake after Afghanistan shocker

Former England captain Nasser Hussain on Monday called for Test captain Joe Root to be ousted from the position, saying the right-handed batter never gave the 'instinctive feel'&nbsp;of being a skipper in the game.

Calls for Root's sacking as Test captain have increased since England lost the third Test against West Indies by 10 wickets at Grenada and lost the series 1-0. Under Root, England have now won just one Test in the last 17 appearances in the longest format of the game. Overall, under Root's captaincy, England have played 64 Tests, winning 27 while losing 26 matches. 
 
"Root is a world-class batsman and a very likeable lad but I feel he has never had that instinctive feel for the game as captain. Clearly under Joe and Paul Collingwood in the West Indies, England tried to create this atmosphere where they were all mates and all in it together. They want to be a likeable team but you need more than that to win Tests," wrote Hussain in his column for Daily Mail on Monday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-grab-botham-richards-trophy-with-a-thumping-10-wicket-victory-against-england-in-3rd-test-466290">West Indies grab Botham-Richards Trophy with a thumping 10-wicket victory against England in 3rd Test</a> 
 
Though Root has insisted that he is still the right man to captain England in Tests, Hussain advises that all-rounder Ben Stokes be given the top job.

"If Joe does not decide to step down himself the decision should be taken out of his hands. Then the new coach should sit down with Ben Stokes and ask him where he is off the field mentally and where he is with his game. Ben seems to be playing with passion and fire again and if the coach likes what he hears from him then Stokes should get the job." 
 
Hussain further slammed the decision made by the interim selection panel of coach Paul Collingwood, managing director Andrew Strauss and James Taylor to not pick veteran quicks Stuart Broad and James Anderson for the trip to the Caribbean.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-will-he-do-when-virat-kohli-brushed-away-parthiv-patels-suggestion-to-try-jaspit-bumrah-for-rcb-466302">'What will he do': When Virat Kohli brushed away Parthiv Patel's suggestion to try Jaspit Bumrah for RCB</a> 
 
"Sometimes you need those tough characters even if they are difficult to captain and coach. It's such a cop out to leave out people who are perhaps difficult to manage and pick a team of 10 yes men and yourself. It does not need hindsight to say England have made serious mistakes on this tour and before it. 
 
"I never understood the decision to leave out Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad. Why would you drop your two greatest bowlers when you are at your lowest?&nbsp;The decision was clearly disrespectful to West Indies and I never believe you should use Test matches just to experiment and try new people for the sake of it, especially when you're leaving people of the quality of Broad and Anderson at home." 
 
England will now begin their home summer in Tests against New Zealand in June followed by the postponed fifth Test from last year's series against India at Edgbaston in July.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain on Monday called for Test captain Joe Root to be ousted from the position, saying the right-handed batter never gave the 'instinctive feel' of being a skipper in the game.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain on Monday called for Test captain Joe Root to be ousted from the position, saying the right-handed batter never gave the 'instinctive feel' of being a skipper in the game. Calls for Root's sacking as Test captain have increased since England lost the third Test against West Indies by 10 wickets at Grenada and lost the series 1-0. Under Root, England have now won just one Test in the last 17 appearances in the longest format of the game. Overall, under Root's captaincy, England have played 64 Tests, winning 27 while losing 26 matches. "Root is a world-class batsman and a very likeable lad but I feel he has never had that instinctive feel for the game as captain. Clearly under Joe and Paul Collingwood in the West Indies, England tried to create this atmosphere where they were all mates and all in it together. They want to be a likeable team but you need more than that to win Tests," wrote Hussain in his column for Daily Mail on Monday. ALSO READ: West Indies grab Botham-Richards Trophy with a thumping 10-wicket victory against England in 3rd Test Though Root has insisted that he is still the right man to captain England in Tests, Hussain advises that all-rounder Ben Stokes be given the top job. "If Joe does not decide to step down himself the decision should be taken out of his hands. Then the new coach should sit down with Ben Stokes and ask him where he is off the field mentally and where he is with his game. Ben seems to be playing with passion and fire again and if the coach likes what he hears from him then Stokes should get the job." Hussain further slammed the decision made by the interim selection panel of coach Paul Collingwood, managing director Andrew Strauss and James Taylor to not pick veteran quicks Stuart Broad and James Anderson for the trip to the Caribbean. ALSO READ: 'What will he do': When Virat Kohli brushed away Parthiv Patel's suggestion to try Jaspit Bumrah for RCB "Sometimes you need those tough characters even if they are difficult to captain and coach. It's such a cop out to leave out people who are perhaps difficult to manage and pick a team of 10 yes men and yourself. It does not need hindsight to say England have made serious mistakes on this tour and before it. "I never understood the decision to leave out Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad. Why would you drop your two greatest bowlers when you are at your lowest? The decision was clearly disrespectful to West Indies and I never believe you should use Test matches just to experiment and try new people for the sake of it, especially when you're leaving people of the quality of Broad and Anderson at home." England will now begin their home summer in Tests against New Zealand in June followed by the postponed fifth Test from last year's series against India at Edgbaston in July.

He never had that instinctive feel: Nasser Hussain calls for Joe Root to step down as England's Test captain

Tottenham Hotspur's England striker Harry Kane could be back from injury in time for the Nations League finals in June and will be doing everything possible to recover from his ankle problem, manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday.

The 25-year-old suffered what the north London club has described as significant ankle ligament damage in a challenge with Manchester City's Fabian Delph in their Champions League quarter-final clash at Tottenham's new stadium on Tuesday.

The club has not put a timeframe on Kane's recovery but Pochettino said it would be difficult for him to recover in time to play any part in the rest of the Premier League campaign which finishes in just four weeks' time on May 12.

However, asked if Kane would be ready for the Nations League the Argentine said: "I hope yes. You know his sole focus now and he's going to be so positive. First to help Tottenham and then if it's not possible to help the national team."

England face the Netherlands in their Nations League semi-final on June 6, the day after hosts Portugal play Switzerland, with the final set for June 9 in Porto. England will aim to lift their first major trophy since their 1966 World Cup triumph.

Kane was sidelined for nearly two months in January when he damaged ligaments in the same left ankle in a Premier League defeat by Manchester United at Wembley and was out for a month last season with a similar injury to his right ankle.

Pochettino does not believe his talisman has a weakness in his ankles, though, and puts the injuries down to bad luck.

"For sure it can be an issue because when you suffer once, twice or a third time it's normal you are always going to think that. I don't believe it's going to be a big problem. Hopefully, his experience is going to be different in the future," he said.

Kane suffered his latest injury making a strong tackle on Delph near the halfway line but Pochettino does not believe the striker needs to make changes to the way he plays the game.

"He's Harry Kane because he has played like this in the past. Now because of bad luck, it has become an issue but he is how he is. I don't believe it's going to be a chronic problem."

Fourth-placed Tottenham have six league games remaining and are a point ahead of rivals Arsenal as they battle for a top-four finish and a place in next season's Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur's England striker Harry Kane could be back from injury in time for the Nations League finals in June and will be doing everything possible to recover from his ankle problem, manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday.

Tottenham Hotspur's England striker Harry Kane could be back from injury in time for the Nations League finals in June and will be doing everything possible to recover from his ankle problem, manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday. The 25-year-old suffered what the north London club has described as significant ankle ligament damage in a challenge with Manchester City's Fabian Delph in their Champions League quarter-final clash at Tottenham's new stadium on Tuesday. The club has not put a timeframe on Kane's recovery but Pochettino said it would be difficult for him to recover in time to play any part in the rest of the Premier League campaign which finishes in just four weeks' time on May 12. However, asked if Kane would be ready for the Nations League the Argentine said: "I hope yes. You know his sole focus now and he's going to be so positive. First to help Tottenham and then if it's not possible to help the national team." England face the Netherlands in their Nations League semi-final on June 6, the day after hosts Portugal play Switzerland, with the final set for June 9 in Porto. England will aim to lift their first major trophy since their 1966 World Cup triumph. Kane was sidelined for nearly two months in January when he damaged ligaments in the same left ankle in a Premier League defeat by Manchester United at Wembley and was out for a month last season with a similar injury to his right ankle. Pochettino does not believe his talisman has a weakness in his ankles, though, and puts the injuries down to bad luck. "For sure it can be an issue because when you suffer once, twice or a third time it's normal you are always going to think that. I don't believe it's going to be a big problem. Hopefully, his experience is going to be different in the future," he said. Kane suffered his latest injury making a strong tackle on Delph near the halfway line but Pochettino does not believe the striker needs to make changes to the way he plays the game. "He's Harry Kane because he has played like this in the past. Now because of bad luck, it has become an issue but he is how he is. I don't believe it's going to be a chronic problem." Fourth-placed Tottenham have six league games remaining and are a point ahead of rivals Arsenal as they battle for a top-four finish and a place in next season's Champions League.

Harry Kane could recover in time for Nations League finals

Manchester United&#39;s former England soccer captain Wayne Rooney on Sunday rejoined his boyhood club Everton on a two-year deal after 13 trophy-laden years at Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old, who has moved to Goodison Park for an undisclosed fee, spoke of his excitement at returning to a club where he began his career after coming through the youth ranks.

&quot;(Winning trophies with Everton) would be the pinnacle,&quot; Rooney said. &quot;I really feel now the club is moving in the right direction, bringing the right calibre of players in. I want to be part of it and hopefully part of a successful Everton team.

&quot;It&rsquo;s a great feeling to be back. I&rsquo;m excited, I cannot wait to meet the lads, get on the training pitch and then get on the pitch to play. I&rsquo;m ecstatic &ndash; I just cannot wait to get back playing.&quot;

There was nostalgia in the air, as people looked back on Rooney&#39;s highlights.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
All 34 of Wayne Rooney&#39;s goals in the 2009-10 season. Magnificent ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mufc?src=hash">#mufc</a> <a href="https://t.co/JyBMRieVld">https://t.co/JyBMRieVld</a>
&mdash; United Xtra (@utdxtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/884146989801385985">July 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Rooney exploded on to the Premier League scene when he netted a stunning winner for Everton against Arsenal aged 16 and he moved to United two years later for a fee reported by British media to be 25 million pounds ($32.23 million).

Scoring a hat-trick on his United debut against Fenerbahce in the Champions League, Rooney went on to play more than 550 games for the club, netting 253 goals to become their all-time leading scorer, eclipsing the great Bobby Charlton&#39;s record.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd">@ManUtd</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/HxW7wd5bMd">https://t.co/HxW7wd5bMd</a>
&mdash; Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) <a href="https://twitter.com/WayneRooney/status/884054868369002497">July 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

England debut

Rooney&#39;s England debut came under Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson, aged 17, and he became the country&#39;s all-time top scorer with 53 goals and the most capped outfield player with 119 appearances.

At United he won the Champions League, five Premier League titles and the FA Cup and was Footballer of the Year in 2010.

But last season he cut a disconsolate figure at times when he was no longer an automatic selection under manager Jose Mourinho and lost his place in the England squad.

&quot;It is no secret that I have long been an admirer of Wayne,&quot; Mourinho said on United&#39;s website (<a href="http://www.manutd.com/Splash-Page.aspx" target="_blank">www.manutd.com</a>). &quot;He has been a model professional throughout his time at the club and will remain in the history books for many years to come.

&quot;It is never easy to see a great player playing less football than he would like and I could not stand in his way when he asked to go back to Everton.&quot;

&nbsp;

Real contribution

Everton manager Ronald Koeman believes Rooney can make a real contribution to the Merseyside club next season.

&quot;He loves Everton and he was desperate to come back,&quot; said the Dutchman. &quot;He is still only 31 and I don&#39;t have any doubts about his qualities. It&rsquo;s fantastic he&rsquo;s here.&quot;

With a fee agreed between Everton and United for Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku to move in the opposite direction, the way was clear for Rooney to leave Old Trafford after 13 years.

Rooney made 77 appearances for Everton and scored 17 goals between 2002 and 2004 when he left to join United.

When the striker appeared at the Everton training-ground on Saturday for a medical, Blues supporters soon arrived to welcome back a player who first joined the club aged nine.

Rooney is reported to be taking a large pay cut to return to Everton, who have been recruiting heavily under Koeman and financial backer Farhad Moshiri, a British-Iranian businessman, after finishing seventh in the league last season.

They have bought young England players goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from Sunderland and Burnley central defender Michael Keane plus Netherlands midfielder Davy Klaasen from Ajax Amsterdam among others, spending almost 90 million pounds.

($1 = 0.7758 pounds)

'It?s a great feeling to be back. I?m excited, I cannot wait to meet the lads, get on the training pitch and then get on the pitch to play...'

Manchester United's former England soccer captain Wayne Rooney on Sunday rejoined his boyhood club Everton on a two-year deal after 13 trophy-laden years at Old Trafford. The 31-year-old, who has moved to Goodison Park for an undisclosed fee, spoke of his excitement at returning to a club where he began his career after coming through the youth ranks. "(Winning trophies with Everton) would be the pinnacle," Rooney said. "I really feel now the club is moving in the right direction, bringing the right calibre of players in. I want to be part of it and hopefully part of a successful Everton team. "It’s a great feeling to be back. I’m excited, I cannot wait to meet the lads, get on the training pitch and then get on the pitch to play. I’m ecstatic – I just cannot wait to get back playing." There was nostalgia in the air, as people looked back on Rooney's highlights. All 34 of Wayne Rooney's goals in the 2009-10 season. Magnificent ???????? #mufc https://t.co/JyBMRieVld — United Xtra (@utdxtra) July 9, 2017 × Rooney exploded on to the Premier League scene when he netted a stunning winner for Everton against Arsenal aged 16 and he moved to United two years later for a fee reported by British media to be 25 million pounds ($32.23 million). Scoring a hat-trick on his United debut against Fenerbahce in the Champions League, Rooney went on to play more than 550 games for the club, netting 253 goals to become their all-time leading scorer, eclipsing the great Bobby Charlton's record. Thank you @ManUtd ?? https://t.co/HxW7wd5bMd — Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) July 9, 2017 × England debut Rooney's England debut came under Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson, aged 17, and he became the country's all-time top scorer with 53 goals and the most capped outfield player with 119 appearances. At United he won the Champions League, five Premier League titles and the FA Cup and was Footballer of the Year in 2010. But last season he cut a disconsolate figure at times when he was no longer an automatic selection under manager Jose Mourinho and lost his place in the England squad. "It is no secret that I have long been an admirer of Wayne," Mourinho said on United's website (www.manutd.com). "He has been a model professional throughout his time at the club and will remain in the history books for many years to come. "It is never easy to see a great player playing less football than he would like and I could not stand in his way when he asked to go back to Everton." Real contribution Everton manager Ronald Koeman believes Rooney can make a real contribution to the Merseyside club next season. "He loves Everton and he was desperate to come back," said the Dutchman. "He is still only 31 and I don't have any doubts about his qualities. It’s fantastic he’s here." With a fee agreed between Everton and United for Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku to move in the opposite direction, the way was clear for Rooney to leave Old Trafford after 13 years. Rooney made 77 appearances for Everton and scored 17 goals between 2002 and 2004 when he left to join United. When the striker appeared at the Everton training-ground on Saturday for a medical, Blues supporters soon arrived to welcome back a player who first joined the club aged nine. Rooney is reported to be taking a large pay cut to return to Everton, who have been recruiting heavily under Koeman and financial backer Farhad Moshiri, a British-Iranian businessman, after finishing seventh in the league last season. They have bought young England players goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from Sunderland and Burnley central defender Michael Keane plus Netherlands midfielder Davy Klaasen from Ajax Amsterdam among others, spending almost 90 million pounds. ($1 = 0.7758 pounds)

Wayne Rooney leaves Manchester United to rejoin Everton

England on Monday confirmed that Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will fill in as captain after injured skipper Wayne Rooney remained doubtful for the year-end friendly against Spain.&nbsp;

Interim manager Gareth Southgate told media that Rooney and left-back Ryan Bertrand were the only players absent from training at Tottenham Hotspur&#39;s north London training base on the eve of Tuesday&#39;s meeting with Spain at Wembley.

&quot;Both are being assessed. They had minor issues this morning so we&#39;ll have a look at them as the game goes on,&quot; Southgate told his pre-match press conference at the Tottenham training ground.

&quot;Obviously they weren&#39;t able to train so they must be a doubt, but until we look at them we won&#39;t know for sure.&quot;

Rooney had returned to the team for Friday&#39;s 3-0 win over Scotland in World Cup qualifying.&nbsp;

England had earlier ruled out Harry Kane, the Tottenham striker with an ankle ligament problem.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

Skipper Wayne Rooney and left-back Ryan Bertrand missed the training on the eve of Tuesday's friendly with Spain at Wembley

England on Monday confirmed that Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will fill in as captain after injured skipper Wayne Rooney remained doubtful for the year-end friendly against Spain. Interim manager Gareth Southgate told media that Rooney and left-back Ryan Bertrand were the only players absent from training at Tottenham Hotspur's north London training base on the eve of Tuesday's meeting with Spain at Wembley. "Both are being assessed. They had minor issues this morning so we'll have a look at them as the game goes on," Southgate told his pre-match press conference at the Tottenham training ground. "Obviously they weren't able to train so they must be a doubt, but until we look at them we won't know for sure." Rooney had returned to the team for Friday's 3-0 win over Scotland in World Cup qualifying. England had earlier ruled out Harry Kane, the Tottenham striker with an ankle ligament problem. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Football: Henderson to lead England against Spain

England captain Wayne Rooney is set to be benched from the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday, according to media reports.

As England prepares to maintain its 100 per cent record, manager Gareth Southgate has decided to name the Manchester United striker among the substitutes for the game in Ljubljana, BBC and Sky Sports reported.

Southgate is likely to name Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson as his two deep-lying central midfielders, Sky Sports reported.

Rooney, with 117 appearances, is England&#39;s most capped outfield player but has recently faced criticism for his performances. The Manchester United player has scored just once in 12 games this season and only once in the last seven internationals.

The 82,000-strong Wembley crowd booed the striker near the end of their 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier over Malta on Saturday.

Southgate defended Rooney saying his experience was crucial to the team and that the criticism was &#39;at times unfair&#39;.

&quot;He ploughs on and plays with pride and captains his country with pride,&quot; said the interim boss who took over after the resignation of Sam Allardyce last month. &quot;I think his experience, his leadership has been crucial throughout this week, not just today.&quot;

Rooney has been a substitute in Manchester United&#39;s last three games. Southgate added he was not overly concerned that Rooney had been left out of United&#39;s recent starting sides.

&quot;I think at this moment in time that`s irrelevant,&quot; said former England defender Southgate. &quot;Part of that is because we`ve got 30 percent of the Premier League eligible for England. Of that, some don`t want to play; of that, some aren&#39;t good enough to play. And you&#39;ve got a captain who is desperate to lead on and off the field and continues to make an outstanding contribution to that group of players. So that was why he was selected. What&#39;s happening at Manchester United for this week is not as important.&quot;

Slovenia coach Srecko Katanec said he hoped Rooney would not be playing against his side.&nbsp;&quot;Because of his experience and quality, I would rather he would not start than he does start.&quot;

Southgate is expected to announce the captain in a news conference later in Slovenia.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

England may start without Rooney, who scored only once in 12 games this season, as it looks to maintain 100 per cent record in qualifiers

England captain Wayne Rooney is set to be benched from the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday, according to media reports. As England prepares to maintain its 100 per cent record, manager Gareth Southgate has decided to name the Manchester United striker among the substitutes for the game in Ljubljana, BBC and Sky Sports reported. Southgate is likely to name Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson as his two deep-lying central midfielders, Sky Sports reported. Rooney, with 117 appearances, is England's most capped outfield player but has recently faced criticism for his performances. The Manchester United player has scored just once in 12 games this season and only once in the last seven internationals. The 82,000-strong Wembley crowd booed the striker near the end of their 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier over Malta on Saturday. Southgate defended Rooney saying his experience was crucial to the team and that the criticism was 'at times unfair'. "He ploughs on and plays with pride and captains his country with pride," said the interim boss who took over after the resignation of Sam Allardyce last month. "I think his experience, his leadership has been crucial throughout this week, not just today." Rooney has been a substitute in Manchester United's last three games. Southgate added he was not overly concerned that Rooney had been left out of United's recent starting sides. "I think at this moment in time that`s irrelevant," said former England defender Southgate. "Part of that is because we`ve got 30 percent of the Premier League eligible for England. Of that, some don`t want to play; of that, some aren't good enough to play. And you've got a captain who is desperate to lead on and off the field and continues to make an outstanding contribution to that group of players. So that was why he was selected. What's happening at Manchester United for this week is not as important." Slovenia coach Srecko Katanec said he hoped Rooney would not be playing against his side. "Because of his experience and quality, I would rather he would not start than he does start." Southgate is expected to announce the captain in a news conference later in Slovenia. (WION with inputs from agencies)

England to bench captain Rooney in World Cup qualifier against Slovenia: Reports

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