Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen Rooney announced the birth of his fourth son on social media on Thursday.

Coleen took on Twitter to share the news of the birth of a beautiful baby boy and later in the evening Wayne shared an adorable picture with all four boys.

Coleen captioned the image as &quot;So Happy to welcome our Baby Boy .... Cass Mac Rooney into the world weighing a healthy 8lb 10oz. He is beautiful ????&quot;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfORt3dl0j4/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">So Happy to welcome our Baby Boy .... Cass Mac Rooney into the world weighing a healthy 8lb 10oz. He is beautiful ????</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coleen_rooney/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Coleen Rooney</a> (@coleen_rooney) on <time datetime="2018-02-15T15:53:38+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 15, 2018 at 7:53am PST</time>
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&nbsp;

Everton star captioned the image as &quot;5-a-side team complete! Welcome to the world Cass ????????????????&quot;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfOnK58nNAi/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">5-a-side team complete! Welcome to the world Cass ????????????????</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/waynerooney/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Wayne Rooney</a> (@waynerooney) on <time datetime="2018-02-15T19:01:06+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 15, 2018 at 11:01am PST</time>
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&nbsp;

The couple is already parents to three boys Kai (8), Klay (4) and Kit (2). It was expected that they would name the fourth child starting with the letter &#39;K&#39; but probably they ran out of options.

Coleen had&nbsp;confirmed her pregnancy in the month of August&nbsp;2017 and recently she threw a baby shower to celebrate her newest arrival.

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coleen_rooney/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Coleen Rooney</a> (@coleen_rooney) on <time datetime="2017-08-18T10:10:17+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 18, 2017 at 3:10am PDT</time>
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&nbsp;

She decorated the venue with pink and blue balloons to keep the sex of the baby a secret.

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Surprise Baby shower yesterday .... I absolutely loved it!! Thanks so much girls and thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/RiseCycling?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RiseCycling</a> for perfect venue, &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/neilnoa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@neilnoa</a> <a href="https://t.co/uSURwSKaiU">pic.twitter.com/uSURwSKaiU</a>
&mdash; Coleen Rooney (@ColeenRoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColeenRoo/status/960432430170738688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The couple&nbsp;already had faced lots of issues regarding their marriage, as there were claims that both of them are on the verge of separating because of an incident when Everton striker Wayne was arrested for driving under alcohol&#39;s influence with a party girl Laura Simpson.

Wayne faced a lot of criticism for his immature act but his wife Coleen took on to social media and claimed to stay in the marriage.

She said, &quot;A few people have been feeling sorry for me, please don&rsquo;t. I appreciate getting cared about, however, I am a strong person, I don&rsquo;t feel sorry for myself.

Also, a few people are probably thinking am stupid for staying in my marriage. I am not stupid, I know my own mind and it&rsquo;s something I want to try and work on.&quot;

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Everton striker Wayne Rooney and Coleen Rooney are blessed with a healthy baby boy and they named him Cass

Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen Rooney announced the birth of his fourth son on social media on Thursday. Coleen took on Twitter to share the news of the birth of a beautiful baby boy and later in the evening Wayne shared an adorable picture with all four boys. Coleen captioned the image as "So Happy to welcome our Baby Boy .... Cass Mac Rooney into the world weighing a healthy 8lb 10oz. He is beautiful ????" So Happy to welcome our Baby Boy .... Cass Mac Rooney into the world weighing a healthy 8lb 10oz. He is beautiful ???? A post shared by Coleen Rooney (@coleen_rooney) on Feb 15, 2018 at 7:53am PST × Everton star captioned the image as "5-a-side team complete! Welcome to the world Cass ????????????????" 5-a-side team complete! Welcome to the world Cass ???????????????? A post shared by Wayne Rooney (@waynerooney) on Feb 15, 2018 at 11:01am PST × The couple is already parents to three boys Kai (8), Klay (4) and Kit (2). It was expected that they would name the fourth child starting with the letter 'K' but probably they ran out of options. Coleen had confirmed her pregnancy in the month of August 2017 and recently she threw a baby shower to celebrate her newest arrival. ❤️ A post shared by Coleen Rooney (@coleen_rooney) on Aug 18, 2017 at 3:10am PDT × She decorated the venue with pink and blue balloons to keep the sex of the baby a secret. Surprise Baby shower yesterday .... I absolutely loved it!! Thanks so much girls and thank you @RiseCycling for perfect venue, & @neilnoa pic.twitter.com/uSURwSKaiU — Coleen Rooney (@ColeenRoo) February 5, 2018 × The couple already had faced lots of issues regarding their marriage, as there were claims that both of them are on the verge of separating because of an incident when Everton striker Wayne was arrested for driving under alcohol's influence with a party girl Laura Simpson. Wayne faced a lot of criticism for his immature act but his wife Coleen took on to social media and claimed to stay in the marriage. She said, "A few people have been feeling sorry for me, please don’t. I appreciate getting cared about, however, I am a strong person, I don’t feel sorry for myself. Also, a few people are probably thinking am stupid for staying in my marriage. I am not stupid, I know my own mind and it’s something I want to try and work on." ×

Wayne Rooney says '5-a-side team complete,' after birth of fourth son

Everton captain Wayne Rooney scored for the first time in a Merseyside derby on Sunday with a late penalty to take an unlikely point in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

With the snow swirling, Rooney sent the 77th-minute spot kick straight down the middle after Dominic Calvert-Lewin went down following a push in the back by Croatian defender Dejan Lovren.

Mohamed Salah had earlier fired Liverpool ahead with a 42nd-minute stunner that sent the Egyptian clear of Tottenham Hotspur&#39;s England striker Harry Kane as the league&#39;s top marksman with 13 goals this season.

Liverpool stayed fourth with 30 points, 13 adrift of leaders Manchester City who were playing later at second-placed Manchester United. Chelsea are third on 32 with Sam Allardyce&#39;s Everton moving up to 10th.

With the snow swirling, Rooney sent the 77th-minute spot kick straight down the middle

Everton captain Wayne Rooney scored for the first time in a Merseyside derby on Sunday with a late penalty to take an unlikely point in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield. With the snow swirling, Rooney sent the 77th-minute spot kick straight down the middle after Dominic Calvert-Lewin went down following a push in the back by Croatian defender Dejan Lovren. Mohamed Salah had earlier fired Liverpool ahead with a 42nd-minute stunner that sent the Egyptian clear of Tottenham Hotspur's England striker Harry Kane as the league's top marksman with 13 goals this season. Liverpool stayed fourth with 30 points, 13 adrift of leaders Manchester City who were playing later at second-placed Manchester United. Chelsea are third on 32 with Sam Allardyce's Everton moving up to 10th.

Rooney scores from the spot, Merseyside derby ends 1-1

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/live-fifa-world-cup-2018-draw-587">Imagine a country with&nbsp;less than 4 million population</a> which has little land space and fewer facilities and to top it all is almost always covered in snow, just made it to the World Cup final in Russia. 
&nbsp; 
This is Iceland and if you are surprised how it made it to the world&rsquo;s biggest football stage in Russia, look no further than Euro 2016 when eleven brave Icelanders ejected Wayne Rooney&rsquo;s England from the European stage.

England&rsquo;s former coach Roy Hodgson should remember these men very well! 
&nbsp; 
So don&rsquo;t be surprised if they surprise Messi&rsquo;s Argentina in their opening match, just like Italia 90 when Maradona&rsquo;s men were blasted out by Roger Milla&rsquo;s Cameroon. 
&nbsp; 
Gylfi Sigurdsson has played an integral role in Iceland reaching Russia 2018. He was named Icelandic Player of the Year for continuous five seasons. In an interview, he said: &quot;We&rsquo;re looking forward to seeing the thunderclap in Russia&rdquo;. 
&nbsp; 
Iceland supporters performing the &#39;thunderclap&#39; is an extraordinary sight. A noisy and visually spectacular display of synchronicity and passion, it has the ability to give those watching &ndash; and those taking part real-time goosebumps. 
&nbsp; 
Now they have been placed in group D and will play their first match against Argentina and rest other games with Croatia and Nigeria. 
&nbsp; 
Iceland may be ranked 21st in the FIFA rankings but don&rsquo;t measure them by numbers alone, these men are a handful as Messi &amp; Co are sure to find out! 
&nbsp; 
In fact, the story of this World Cup could well be the rise of small nations with Panama, Peru, Egypt heading out against the big guns with Iceland leading the charge. 
&nbsp; 
Big countries &ndash; India and China who have invested several hundred crores in football from India&rsquo;s ISL and China&rsquo;s lucrative football league should take a few lessons on how Iceland and other small nations have used their resources to emerge on the world stage.

Sometimes money is not the only factor which counts &ndash; especially in football, because the beautiful game belongs to men of passion and Iceland has it in them to prevail in Russia next year.

Sometimes money is not the only factor which counts ? especially in football

Imagine a country with less than 4 million population which has little land space and fewer facilities and to top it all is almost always covered in snow, just made it to the World Cup final in Russia. This is Iceland and if you are surprised how it made it to the world’s biggest football stage in Russia, look no further than Euro 2016 when eleven brave Icelanders ejected Wayne Rooney’s England from the European stage. England’s former coach Roy Hodgson should remember these men very well! So don’t be surprised if they surprise Messi’s Argentina in their opening match, just like Italia 90 when Maradona’s men were blasted out by Roger Milla’s Cameroon. Gylfi Sigurdsson has played an integral role in Iceland reaching Russia 2018. He was named Icelandic Player of the Year for continuous five seasons. In an interview, he said: "We’re looking forward to seeing the thunderclap in Russia”. Iceland supporters performing the 'thunderclap' is an extraordinary sight. A noisy and visually spectacular display of synchronicity and passion, it has the ability to give those watching – and those taking part real-time goosebumps. Now they have been placed in group D and will play their first match against Argentina and rest other games with Croatia and Nigeria. Iceland may be ranked 21st in the FIFA rankings but don’t measure them by numbers alone, these men are a handful as Messi & Co are sure to find out! In fact, the story of this World Cup could well be the rise of small nations with Panama, Peru, Egypt heading out against the big guns with Iceland leading the charge. Big countries – India and China who have invested several hundred crores in football from India’s ISL and China’s lucrative football league should take a few lessons on how Iceland and other small nations have used their resources to emerge on the world stage. Sometimes money is not the only factor which counts – especially in football, because the beautiful game belongs to men of passion and Iceland has it in them to prevail in Russia next year.

World Cup 2018: India, China should take a lesson from Iceland

Just when the chasing pack thought the Manchester City juggernaut was suffering a misfire Raheem Sterling scored a stunning stoppage-time winner to give the Premier League leaders a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday.

With Manchester United having cut the gap to five points and Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool winning, any City stutter would have been cause for celebration. But Pep Guardiola&#39;s side thundered on with a club record 12th successive league victory.

Former Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu had cancelled out Kevin De Bruyne&#39;s opener in the 75th minute but six minutes into stoppage time Sterling, for the third match running, snatched City&#39;s winner, this time with a sublime curling shot.

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<h5>Manager Antonio Conte was sent to the stands after a verbal meltdown at Stamford Bridge as his Chelsea side laboured to a 1-0 defeat of struggling Swansea City</h5>
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Manager Antonio Conte was sent to the stands after a verbal meltdown at Stamford Bridge as his Chelsea side laboured to a 1-0 defeat of struggling Swansea City at Stamford Bridge. Antonio Rudiger&#39;s first Premier League goal sealed victory.

&quot;I have apologised because I did the wrong thing,&quot; Conte said of his angry reaction to a fourth official when his side were denied a corner in the first half.

&quot;I have been in to see them after the game. It&#39;s right to speak and apologise with them.&quot;

Arsenal struck three goals in four second-half minutes as they thrashed Huddersfield Town 5-0 with Mesut Ozil scoring one and supplying assists for Olivier Giroud, who scored a brace, and Alexis Sanchez.

Alexandre Lacazette&#39;s early goal had separated the sides before the interval although the French striker went off with a suspected groin injury and will probably miss Saturday&#39;s home clash against Manchester United. Arsenal have won 12 consecutive home matches.

Liverpool moved into fifth place with Mohamed Salah taking his tally for the season to a chart-topping 12 thanks to a double in a 3-0 victory at Stoke City.

After 14 games City have 40 points, with United on 32, Chelsea 29, Arsenal 28 and Liverpool 26.

Heady sixth

Burnley rose to a heady sixth, ahead of a sliding Tottenham Hotspur, as Chris Wood and Robbie Brady scored in a 2-1 victory at Bournemouth - their fourth win in five league games.

&quot;Where we are in the league, everyone will be surprised by that,&quot; Burnley boss Sean Dyche said.

Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick, the third with a wonder goal from inside his own half, as Everton thrashed West Ham United 4-0 on a horrible return to Goodison Park for David Moyes whose West Ham side remained in the bottom three.

Sam Allardyce, who will be named shortly as Everton&#39;s new manager, watched on from the stands as caretaker boss David Unsworth signed off with a victory that lifted Everton to 13th.

Whatever happens below them, City are looking unstoppable and with 40 points from 14 games and a goal difference of 35 they have recorded the best start in Premier League history.

They were not at their fluent best and Southampton came closest to scoring before the break with Wesley Hoedt striking the woodwork for the visitors.

But Sterling&#39;s effort sparked wild celebrations at the Etihad as the former Liverpool player struck yet another late goal to take his tally for the season to 13.

He has now earned City nine extra points this season with his timely interventions and his latest effort was arguably his best, picking out the top corner with an unstoppable effort.

&quot;Raheem is a match-winner, I am so happy for him. He is special, it was an amazing goal. It is more than important, it is beautiful,&quot; Guardiola, whose side have dropped only two points this season, said.

City are now two wins away from matching Arsenal&#39;s record 14-match winning run in the Premier League.

City beat Southampton 2-1. This was City's 12th successive league victory

Just when the chasing pack thought the Manchester City juggernaut was suffering a misfire Raheem Sterling scored a stunning stoppage-time winner to give the Premier League leaders a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday. With Manchester United having cut the gap to five points and Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool winning, any City stutter would have been cause for celebration. But Pep Guardiola's side thundered on with a club record 12th successive league victory. Former Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu had cancelled out Kevin De Bruyne's opener in the 75th minute but six minutes into stoppage time Sterling, for the third match running, snatched City's winner, this time with a sublime curling shot. Manager Antonio Conte was sent to the stands after a verbal meltdown at Stamford Bridge as his Chelsea side laboured to a 1-0 defeat of struggling Swansea City × Manager Antonio Conte was sent to the stands after a verbal meltdown at Stamford Bridge as his Chelsea side laboured to a 1-0 defeat of struggling Swansea City at Stamford Bridge. Antonio Rudiger's first Premier League goal sealed victory. "I have apologised because I did the wrong thing," Conte said of his angry reaction to a fourth official when his side were denied a corner in the first half. "I have been in to see them after the game. It's right to speak and apologise with them." Arsenal struck three goals in four second-half minutes as they thrashed Huddersfield Town 5-0 with Mesut Ozil scoring one and supplying assists for Olivier Giroud, who scored a brace, and Alexis Sanchez. Alexandre Lacazette's early goal had separated the sides before the interval although the French striker went off with a suspected groin injury and will probably miss Saturday's home clash against Manchester United. Arsenal have won 12 consecutive home matches. Liverpool moved into fifth place with Mohamed Salah taking his tally for the season to a chart-topping 12 thanks to a double in a 3-0 victory at Stoke City. After 14 games City have 40 points, with United on 32, Chelsea 29, Arsenal 28 and Liverpool 26. Heady sixth Burnley rose to a heady sixth, ahead of a sliding Tottenham Hotspur, as Chris Wood and Robbie Brady scored in a 2-1 victory at Bournemouth - their fourth win in five league games. "Where we are in the league, everyone will be surprised by that," Burnley boss Sean Dyche said. Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick, the third with a wonder goal from inside his own half, as Everton thrashed West Ham United 4-0 on a horrible return to Goodison Park for David Moyes whose West Ham side remained in the bottom three. Sam Allardyce, who will be named shortly as Everton's new manager, watched on from the stands as caretaker boss David Unsworth signed off with a victory that lifted Everton to 13th. Whatever happens below them, City are looking unstoppable and with 40 points from 14 games and a goal difference of 35 they have recorded the best start in Premier League history. They were not at their fluent best and Southampton came closest to scoring before the break with Wesley Hoedt striking the woodwork for the visitors. But Sterling's effort sparked wild celebrations at the Etihad as the former Liverpool player struck yet another late goal to take his tally for the season to 13. He has now earned City nine extra points this season with his timely interventions and his latest effort was arguably his best, picking out the top corner with an unstoppable effort. "Raheem is a match-winner, I am so happy for him. He is special, it was an amazing goal. It is more than important, it is beautiful," Guardiola, whose side have dropped only two points this season, said. City are now two wins away from matching Arsenal's record 14-match winning run in the Premier League.

EPL: League leaders Manchester City win, chasers keep chasing

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has been charged with drunk driving.

He was pulled over by police at 2 am on Friday.

News reports said Rooney, 31, was driving an office worker home at the time.&nbsp;

The car allegedly belonged to her. She was with him at the time.&nbsp;

His arrest came after he was seen dancing atop tables of a local bar, The Bubble Room, before moving on to the cocktail bar The Symposium.

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Laura Simpson, the 29-year-old office worker who was with Rooney when he was pulled over. (Twitter)
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&quot;The man was arrested shortly after 2.00 am&nbsp;today, Friday, 1 September, after officers stopped a black VW Beetle on Altrincham Road, Wilmslow,&quot; Cheshire police told Reuters.

The sports star was released on bail and ordered to appear at Stockport magistrate&#39;s court on Sept 18.

Rooney announced that he was retiring from national team duty last month, ending a 14-year tenure in which he became England&#39;s top scorer with 53 goals.

Rooney returned in July to Everton, his boyhood club, after 13 years with Manchester United.

He has scored twice so far this season for Everton.

The former England captain was driving an office worker home in her car when he was pulled over at 2 am

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has been charged with drunk driving. He was pulled over by police at 2 am on Friday. News reports said Rooney, 31, was driving an office worker home at the time. The car allegedly belonged to her. She was with him at the time. His arrest came after he was seen dancing atop tables of a local bar, The Bubble Room, before moving on to the cocktail bar The Symposium. Laura Simpson, the 29-year-old office worker who was with Rooney when he was pulled over. (Twitter) × "The man was arrested shortly after 2.00 am today, Friday, 1 September, after officers stopped a black VW Beetle on Altrincham Road, Wilmslow," Cheshire police told Reuters. The sports star was released on bail and ordered to appear at Stockport magistrate's court on Sept 18. Rooney announced that he was retiring from national team duty last month, ending a 14-year tenure in which he became England's top scorer with 53 goals. Rooney returned in July to Everton, his boyhood club, after 13 years with Manchester United. He has scored twice so far this season for Everton.

Wayne Rooney charged with drunk driving

England international and former<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/no-one-will-beat-rooneys-united-goals-record-ferguson-11655"> Manchester United star Wayne Rooney</a> has announced his retirement from international football.

31-year-old <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-rooney-to-make-england-return-against-scotland-8657">Rooney ended his 14-year career scoring </a>53 goals for England debuting at the age of 17 against Australia in 2003.

&quot;It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.&quot;

&quot;Having already thought long and hard, I told (England manager) Gareth (Southgate) that I had now decided to retire for good from international football,&quot; Rooney said in a statement on his website (www.officialwaynerooney.com).

Rooney now hopes to extend his career by playing club football for Everton which he rejoined recently after moving from Manchester United in July.

&quot;Leaving Manchester United was a tough call but I know I made the right decision in coming home to Everton. Now I want to focus all my energies on helping them be successful,&quot; he said.

Rooney hasn't played for his country since England beat Scotland 3-0 at Wembley last November.

England international and former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has announced his retirement from international football. 31-year-old Rooney ended his 14-year career scoring 53 goals for England debuting at the age of 17 against Australia in 2003. "It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me." "Having already thought long and hard, I told (England manager) Gareth (Southgate) that I had now decided to retire for good from international football," Rooney said in a statement on his website (www.officialwaynerooney.com). Rooney now hopes to extend his career by playing club football for Everton which he rejoined recently after moving from Manchester United in July. "Leaving Manchester United was a tough call but I know I made the right decision in coming home to Everton. Now I want to focus all my energies on helping them be successful," he said.

Wayne Rooney announces international retirement

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.

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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>
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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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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>
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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 captain Wayne Rooney is unlikely to leave Manchester United next week and is surprised by boss Jos&eacute; Mourinho&rsquo;s claim he could do so, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/22/wayne-rooney-set-to-leave-manchester-united-summer-if-first-team-absence-continues">The Guardian</a> reported today (February 23).

Rooney, who was still not fit enough to join his team for their Europa League clash with Saint-Etienne yesterday, is determined to see the season out, the Guardian report claimed. The rumours come even as his agent, Paul Stretford, has flown to China to see if he can negotiate a deal for his client to leave United, most likely at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old is unlikely to remain at Old Trafford unless United actively tell him he can depart or there is a lucrative last-minute offer from China&rsquo;s Super League before its window closes on Tuesday.

There has been speculation that Rooney, who is no longer an integral part of the United side under Mourinho, could eventually leave for the mega-rich Chinese Super League.

Asked if Rooney would leave for the Chinese Super League before the transfer window closes next week, Mourinho had said, &quot;&ldquo;You have to ask him. Of course I can&rsquo;t guarantee he will still be here next season. I cannot guarantee that I&rsquo;m here next week, how can I guarantee that a player is here next season? What I can guarantee is that, if one day Wayne leaves the club, it is not because I want him to leave the club.

&ldquo;I would never push a legend of this club to another destiny. You have to ask him if he sees himself staying in the club for the rest of his career or sees himself moving. I was very open with you in the answer. I don&rsquo;t want him to leave.&rdquo;

Mourinho&rsquo;s comment caught the player unawares as he has no wish to move on, The Guardian reported, adding that the skipper is unhappy at his lack of regular starts and unless this situation vastly improves before the season ends he will depart in the summer.&nbsp; 
 
Guangzhou Evergrande, Beijing Guoan, Jiangsu Suning and Tianjin Quanjian are said to be among those interested in hiring Rooney.

Meanwhile, asked if he would be fit for Sunday&#39;s English Football League Cup final against Southampton, Mourinho was non-committal, AFP reported.

&quot;I don&#39;t know. This morning was the first time he trained and didn&#39;t even train 100 per cent with the group,&quot; the Portuguese boss told reporters at Saint-Etienne&#39;s Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

&quot;He is injured, I cannot do miracles at that level,&quot; he said. &quot;Rooney is injured, he (has been) injured for two or three weeks.

&quot;When you don&#39;t have a player, you have others. The team is in a good moment. In the past few months we&#39;ve lost only one game and it was one we could lose as it was a two-legged match,&quot; added Mourinho.

(WION with inputs from Guardian, AFP)

Rumours have been rife that Rooney could eventually leave for the mega-rich Chinese Super League

England captain Wayne Rooney is unlikely to leave Manchester United next week and is surprised by boss José Mourinho’s claim he could do so, The Guardian reported today (February 23). Rooney, who was still not fit enough to join his team for their Europa League clash with Saint-Etienne yesterday, is determined to see the season out, the Guardian report claimed. The rumours come even as his agent, Paul Stretford, has flown to China to see if he can negotiate a deal for his client to leave United, most likely at the end of the season. The 31-year-old is unlikely to remain at Old Trafford unless United actively tell him he can depart or there is a lucrative last-minute offer from China’s Super League before its window closes on Tuesday. There has been speculation that Rooney, who is no longer an integral part of the United side under Mourinho, could eventually leave for the mega-rich Chinese Super League. Asked if Rooney would leave for the Chinese Super League before the transfer window closes next week, Mourinho had said, "“You have to ask him. Of course I can’t guarantee he will still be here next season. I cannot guarantee that I’m here next week, how can I guarantee that a player is here next season? What I can guarantee is that, if one day Wayne leaves the club, it is not because I want him to leave the club. “I would never push a legend of this club to another destiny. You have to ask him if he sees himself staying in the club for the rest of his career or sees himself moving. I was very open with you in the answer. I don’t want him to leave.” Mourinho’s comment caught the player unawares as he has no wish to move on, The Guardian reported, adding that the skipper is unhappy at his lack of regular starts and unless this situation vastly improves before the season ends he will depart in the summer. Guangzhou Evergrande, Beijing Guoan, Jiangsu Suning and Tianjin Quanjian are said to be among those interested in hiring Rooney. Meanwhile, asked if he would be fit for Sunday's English Football League Cup final against Southampton, Mourinho was non-committal, AFP reported. "I don't know. This morning was the first time he trained and didn't even train 100 per cent with the group," the Portuguese boss told reporters at Saint-Etienne's Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. "He is injured, I cannot do miracles at that level," he said. "Rooney is injured, he (has been) injured for two or three weeks. "When you don't have a player, you have others. The team is in a good moment. In the past few months we've lost only one game and it was one we could lose as it was a two-legged match," added Mourinho. (WION with inputs from Guardian, AFP)

Wayne Rooney's Manchester United exit gathers steam, Mourinho adds to rumours

Manchester United&#39;s Wayne Rooney intends to stay at the club, ending speculation that he could move to China.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Despite the interest which has been shown from other clubs, for which I&rsquo;m grateful, I want to end recent speculation and say that I am staying at Manchester United,&quot; Rooney said in a statement on Thursday.&nbsp;

British media had reported that Rooney&#39;s agent, Paul Stretford, was in China to see if he could negotiate a deal for the England forward to leave United.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rooney, 31, has been unable to command a regular starting place under manager Jose Mourinho and faces a race to be fit for a likely substitute&#39;s role in the League Cup final against Southampton at Wembley on Sunday.

In January he broke Bobby Charlton&#39;s club goal-scoring record but has fallen behind the likes of Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford in the competition for a first-team place.

In the statement, on United`s website, he said: &quot;I hope I will play a full part in helping the team in its fight for success on four fronts.&quot;

His current Manchester United contract expires after the 2017-2018 season.

(Reuters)

&nbsp;

There were speculations that Rooney could move to China

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney intends to stay at the club, ending speculation that he could move to China. “Despite the interest which has been shown from other clubs, for which I’m grateful, I want to end recent speculation and say that I am staying at Manchester United," Rooney said in a statement on Thursday. British media had reported that Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, was in China to see if he could negotiate a deal for the England forward to leave United. Rooney, 31, has been unable to command a regular starting place under manager Jose Mourinho and faces a race to be fit for a likely substitute's role in the League Cup final against Southampton at Wembley on Sunday. In January he broke Bobby Charlton's club goal-scoring record but has fallen behind the likes of Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford in the competition for a first-team place. In the statement, on United`s website, he said: "I hope I will play a full part in helping the team in its fight for success on four fronts." His current Manchester United contract expires after the 2017-2018 season. (Reuters)

Football: Wayne Rooney says he will stay at Manchester United

Wayne&nbsp;Rooney&nbsp;became Manchester United&#39;s record scorer when he netted his 250th goal for the English giants in a 1-1 draw away to Stoke City in the Premier League on Saturday.&nbsp;

Rooney&nbsp;equalised in the fourth minute of stoppage time to break fellow England great Bobby Charlton&#39;s United record of 249 goals.

The 31-year-old forward, making his 546th United appearance, surpassed 1966 World Cup-winner Charlton&#39;s record in style when he bent a free-kick past Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant into the top corner of the net at the Britannia Stadium.

His latest United goal came a fortnight after&nbsp;Rooney, who succeeded Charlton as England&#39;s record goal-scorer in 2015, equalled the former midfielder&#39;s United mark during an FA Cup tie against second-tier Reading&nbsp;

(AFP)

Wayne Rooney's stunning last-gasp free kick broke Bobby Charlton's record of 249 goals

Wayne Rooney became Manchester United's record scorer when he netted his 250th goal for the English giants in a 1-1 draw away to Stoke City in the Premier League on Saturday. Rooney equalised in the fourth minute of stoppage time to break fellow England great Bobby Charlton's United record of 249 goals. The 31-year-old forward, making his 546th United appearance, surpassed 1966 World Cup-winner Charlton's record in style when he bent a free-kick past Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant into the top corner of the net at the Britannia Stadium. His latest United goal came a fortnight after Rooney, who succeeded Charlton as England's record goal-scorer in 2015, equalled the former midfielder's United mark during an FA Cup tie against second-tier Reading (AFP)

Rooney scores club record goal to help Man United pinch point at Stoke

England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed Wayne Rooney will remain captain on Thursday as he faced the media for the first time since his appointment on a permanent basis.

Rooney, 31, apologised after being pictured looking the worse for wear as he mingled with wedding guests at the England team hotel in the early hours during the most recent international break.

Southgate had dropped him for a 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw in Slovenia, but recalled him for England&#39;s 3-0 win over Scotland, before injury forced the Manchester United forward to withdraw from the squad.

&quot;Wayne Rooney is the England captain,&quot; Southgate told reporters at Wembley.

&quot;I said that from the beginning of the interim period. What&#39;s also clear is that I&#39;ve only selected him to start in two of the four matches we&#39;ve had.

&quot;It is not a case that Wayne expects to play every game. It&#39;s important we develop more leaders in that group.

&quot;When I played for England at Euro 96, there were leaders throughout the team. Wayne has played an important part up to this point, but we also need to develop others.&quot;

Southgate, 46, was appointed England manager on a four-year contract on Wednesday, having previously been in charge for four games on an interim basis.

Reports suggested Southgate&#39;s contract contained a break clause after the 2018 World Cup, but he said that was not the case.

The former Middlesbrough manager was promoted from his role as England Under-21s coach after Sam Allardyce was forced to depart in the aftermath of a Daily Telegraph sting.

Southgate&#39;s first game as full-time manager will be a friendly against Germany in Dortmund on March 22, followed by a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley four days later.

England, humiliated by Iceland in the last 16 at Euro 2016, top their World Cup qualifying group by two points.

(AFP)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Southgate had dropped Rooney for a WC qualifier but recalled him for England's win over Scotland

England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed Wayne Rooney will remain captain on Thursday as he faced the media for the first time since his appointment on a permanent basis. Rooney, 31, apologised after being pictured looking the worse for wear as he mingled with wedding guests at the England team hotel in the early hours during the most recent international break. Southgate had dropped him for a 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw in Slovenia, but recalled him for England's 3-0 win over Scotland, before injury forced the Manchester United forward to withdraw from the squad. "Wayne Rooney is the England captain," Southgate told reporters at Wembley. "I said that from the beginning of the interim period. What's also clear is that I've only selected him to start in two of the four matches we've had. "It is not a case that Wayne expects to play every game. It's important we develop more leaders in that group. "When I played for England at Euro 96, there were leaders throughout the team. Wayne has played an important part up to this point, but we also need to develop others." Southgate, 46, was appointed England manager on a four-year contract on Wednesday, having previously been in charge for four games on an interim basis. Reports suggested Southgate's contract contained a break clause after the 2018 World Cup, but he said that was not the case. The former Middlesbrough manager was promoted from his role as England Under-21s coach after Sam Allardyce was forced to depart in the aftermath of a Daily Telegraph sting. Southgate's first game as full-time manager will be a friendly against Germany in Dortmund on March 22, followed by a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley four days later. England, humiliated by Iceland in the last 16 at Euro 2016, top their World Cup qualifying group by two points. (AFP)

Football: Southgate confirms Rooney as England captain

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

England&#39;s stalwart striker Wayne Rooney announced on Tuesday that he would retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 
 
&quot;Come Russia I feel that will be the time for me to say goodbye to international football, my mind is made up, &nbsp;Rooney, 30, said at a news conference ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday when will set a new record for an England outfield player, ahead of David Beckham, by winning his 116th cap. 
 
The player, who was reappointed England captain by new manager Sam Allardyce on Monday, said he would make the most of these two years and try and end his time with England on a high. &quot;Russia will be my last opportunity to do anything with England so I&#39;m going to try to enjoy these two years and hopefully I can end my time with England on a high,&quot; he said. 
 
England&#39;s record goalscorer with 53 goals, Rooney has been a star player for his country ever since he burst on to the international scene under Sven-Goran Eriksson at the Euro 2004. 
 
Four managers and 12 years later, however, he accepts there has been a familiar tale of England under-achievement and adds that he is looking forward to working with his new manager Sam Allardyce . 
 
&quot;We have to (move on from previous disappointments). You can&#39;t just forget it (Euro 2016) but it&#39;s a new era for us. A new manager. I seem to say that after every tournament. We have to work out how we can go one step further in tournament play. 
 
I&#39;m looking forward to this new regime. I&#39;m excited by the players involved at the moment and, although there have been questions about my future, I said straight after the Euros that I wanted to still be involved.&quot; he said. 
 
He was full of praise for Sam and &#39;excited&#39; about the ideas that he would bring to the camp. &nbsp;&quot;When Sam got the job I made that clear to him and here we are. Sam is a relaxed guy. The camp has been good, we have only had one session, but we are all excited about what ideas he can bring to us,&quot; he said. 
 
Rooney said he was happy to play anywhere for England although Allaryce has said he will ask him to fill a No 10 role as opposed to the midfield position where previous manager Roy Hodgson deployed him at Euro 2016. 
 
&quot;Obviously, it&#39;s the manager&#39;s decision,&quot; Rooney said. &quot;We haven&#39;t really spoken about it - we will in the next couple of days. I&#39;m ready to play whether it&#39;s midfield, number 10 or striker.&quot; 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters) 
 
 
&nbsp;

Rooney has been a star player for his country ever since he burst on to the international scene under Sven-Goran Eriksson at the Euro 2004

England's stalwart striker Wayne Rooney announced on Tuesday that he would retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. "Come Russia I feel that will be the time for me to say goodbye to international football, my mind is made up, Rooney, 30, said at a news conference ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday when will set a new record for an England outfield player, ahead of David Beckham, by winning his 116th cap. The player, who was reappointed England captain by new manager Sam Allardyce on Monday, said he would make the most of these two years and try and end his time with England on a high. "Russia will be my last opportunity to do anything with England so I'm going to try to enjoy these two years and hopefully I can end my time with England on a high," he said. England's record goalscorer with 53 goals, Rooney has been a star player for his country ever since he burst on to the international scene under Sven-Goran Eriksson at the Euro 2004. Four managers and 12 years later, however, he accepts there has been a familiar tale of England under-achievement and adds that he is looking forward to working with his new manager Sam Allardyce . "We have to (move on from previous disappointments). You can't just forget it (Euro 2016) but it's a new era for us. A new manager. I seem to say that after every tournament. We have to work out how we can go one step further in tournament play. I'm looking forward to this new regime. I'm excited by the players involved at the moment and, although there have been questions about my future, I said straight after the Euros that I wanted to still be involved." he said. He was full of praise for Sam and 'excited' about the ideas that he would bring to the camp. "When Sam got the job I made that clear to him and here we are. Sam is a relaxed guy. The camp has been good, we have only had one session, but we are all excited about what ideas he can bring to us," he said. Rooney said he was happy to play anywhere for England although Allaryce has said he will ask him to fill a No 10 role as opposed to the midfield position where previous manager Roy Hodgson deployed him at Euro 2016. "Obviously, it's the manager's decision," Rooney said. "We haven't really spoken about it - we will in the next couple of days. I'm ready to play whether it's midfield, number 10 or striker." (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Rooney announces retirement from international football after 2018 World Cup

England captain Wayne Rooney has set his sights on winning the European Championship, buoyed by the belief that the gap between his team and Europe&#39;s continental footballing elite has narrowed considerably in the past few years. 
 
Monday&#39;s 0-0 draw with Slovakia ensured that England finished second in Group B behind Wales, potentially complicating their route to the final as they are now in the same side of the draw as World Cup winners Germany, defending European champions Spain and hosts France. 
 
English FA chairman Greg Dyke had said before the tournament that making the semi-finals or being eliminated at the quarter-final stage by &quot;a good team&quot; would be considered a success, but Rooney has set his sights considerably higher. 
 
&quot;We are here and we want to win it,&quot; England&#39;s all-time leading goalscorer told reporters. &quot;Whether it happens remains to be seen, but we&#39;re not going to say that getting to the quarter finals will be a sign of progress. I believe we are better than that.&quot; 
 
England have not got past the quarter-finals in their last three European Championships and failed to make it out of the group stage at the World Cup in 2014, but Rooney sees cause for optimism this time round. 
 
&quot;If this was four years ago and you were saying you have to play France, Spain and Germany you would have been worried,&quot; he added. &quot;I think the gap has changed, and not just with ourselves, but with the likes of Wales. The gap to get to those teams is not as big.&quot; 
 
Manager Roy Hodgson&#39;s men are aiming for their first major international title since the 1966 World Cup, but will have to find a way past an inspired Iceland in the round of 16 game on Monday. They could face France for a spot in the last four. 
 
Hodgson took six strikers to France, but his team have struggled to turn dominance into goals, scoring three times in three group games and winning only one. 
 
Despite the team&#39;s struggles in the final third, Rooney, who has been pulling the strings from a deeper midfield position, said the talent in the side meant he felt less pressure to deliver. 
 
&quot;I have always gone into a tournament thinking if I don&#39;t play at my best I cannot see us winning it,&quot; said the player who burst on to the international stage as an 18-year old with four goals at Euro 2004. 
 
Rooney has since failed to make a telling impact at the continental championship and though he is yet to open his account in France, he is pleased that the England squad have the talent to ease the burden of expectation on his shoulders. 
 
&quot;I have come into this tournament and we have several players capable of doing magical things. We have five or six match winners in our team and I cannot say we have always had that,&quot; he said. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

Believes the gap between his team and Europe's footballing elite has narrowed considerably in the past few years

England captain Wayne Rooney has set his sights on winning the European Championship, buoyed by the belief that the gap between his team and Europe's continental footballing elite has narrowed considerably in the past few years. Monday's 0-0 draw with Slovakia ensured that England finished second in Group B behind Wales, potentially complicating their route to the final as they are now in the same side of the draw as World Cup winners Germany, defending European champions Spain and hosts France. English FA chairman Greg Dyke had said before the tournament that making the semi-finals or being eliminated at the quarter-final stage by "a good team" would be considered a success, but Rooney has set his sights considerably higher. "We are here and we want to win it," England's all-time leading goalscorer told reporters. "Whether it happens remains to be seen, but we're not going to say that getting to the quarter finals will be a sign of progress. I believe we are better than that." England have not got past the quarter-finals in their last three European Championships and failed to make it out of the group stage at the World Cup in 2014, but Rooney sees cause for optimism this time round. "If this was four years ago and you were saying you have to play France, Spain and Germany you would have been worried," he added. "I think the gap has changed, and not just with ourselves, but with the likes of Wales. The gap to get to those teams is not as big." Manager Roy Hodgson's men are aiming for their first major international title since the 1966 World Cup, but will have to find a way past an inspired Iceland in the round of 16 game on Monday. They could face France for a spot in the last four. Hodgson took six strikers to France, but his team have struggled to turn dominance into goals, scoring three times in three group games and winning only one. Despite the team's struggles in the final third, Rooney, who has been pulling the strings from a deeper midfield position, said the talent in the side meant he felt less pressure to deliver. "I have always gone into a tournament thinking if I don't play at my best I cannot see us winning it," said the player who burst on to the international stage as an 18-year old with four goals at Euro 2004. Rooney has since failed to make a telling impact at the continental championship and though he is yet to open his account in France, he is pleased that the England squad have the talent to ease the burden of expectation on his shoulders. "I have come into this tournament and we have several players capable of doing magical things. We have five or six match winners in our team and I cannot say we have always had that," he said. (Reuters)

England can win Euro 2016, says captain Rooney

Manchester United have been rejuvenated under new manager Jose Mourinho and are poised to mount a strong challenge for the Premier League title, skipper Wayne Rooney has said. 
 
The 30-year-old forward, who secured his fifth league title with the club the last time they won it in 2013, scored eight top-flight goals last season as United finished fifth and failed to qualify for the Champions League. 
 
The 20-times English title winners have already signed striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, midfielder Zlatan Ibrahimovic and defender Eric Bailly and according to local media reports, have been negotiating with Juventus over the transfer of Paul Pogba. 
 
&quot;I think the players feel this is more like the old Manchester United. It&#39;s not just the new signings, we&#39;ve got Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford from last season who made such an impact,&quot; Rooney told the Daily Mail in an interview. 
 
Rooney, who will line up against boyhood club Everton in his testimonial at Old Trafford on Wednesday, also hopes United can secure the annual Community Shield against English champions Leicester City at Wembley on Sunday. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re in a very good spot now, we think we can challenge for the Premier League and we want to put a marker down, in the Community Shield with Leicester,&quot; Rooney added. &quot;I know it&#39;s a one-off game, but we want to show we can win a trophy early on. We feel that&#39;s an important event for us.&quot; 
 
United, who thrashed Turkish side Galatasaray 5-2 in a friendly on Saturday, open their league campaign with a trip to Bournemouth on August 14. 
 
(Reuters)

The 20-times English title winners have already signed striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, midfielder Henrikh Mkhityaran, and defender Eric Bailly

Manchester United have been rejuvenated under new manager Jose Mourinho and are poised to mount a strong challenge for the Premier League title, skipper Wayne Rooney has said. The 30-year-old forward, who secured his fifth league title with the club the last time they won it in 2013, scored eight top-flight goals last season as United finished fifth and failed to qualify for the Champions League. The 20-times English title winners have already signed striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, midfielder Zlatan Ibrahimovic and defender Eric Bailly and according to local media reports, have been negotiating with Juventus over the transfer of Paul Pogba. "I think the players feel this is more like the old Manchester United. It's not just the new signings, we've got Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford from last season who made such an impact," Rooney told the Daily Mail in an interview. Rooney, who will line up against boyhood club Everton in his testimonial at Old Trafford on Wednesday, also hopes United can secure the annual Community Shield against English champions Leicester City at Wembley on Sunday. "We're in a very good spot now, we think we can challenge for the Premier League and we want to put a marker down, in the Community Shield with Leicester," Rooney added. "I know it's a one-off game, but we want to show we can win a trophy early on. We feel that's an important event for us." United, who thrashed Turkish side Galatasaray 5-2 in a friendly on Saturday, open their league campaign with a trip to Bournemouth on August 14. (Reuters)

Rooney expects rejuvenated ManU to challenge for Premier League title

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admits the arrival of Jose Mourinho has given him added motivation for the season ahead. 
 
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has suggested he preferred to play Rooney in a more attacking role, rather than see him pull strings from midfield as he did under predecessor Louis van Gaal. 
 
Rooney will be looking to forge a formidable strike partnership with new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, after a dearth of goals under the Dutchman last season. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m really excited to be working with Jose this season,&quot; the 30-year-old told the club&#39;s official magazine. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s one of the best managers in the world and it&#39;s an exciting time for Manchester United.&nbsp;I&#39;ve always respected him both as a man and a manager.&nbsp;I like to think I&#39;m always motivated as a player, but I&#39;d be lying if I said I wasn&#39;t a bit more motivated when a new manager comes in.&nbsp;He&#39;ll bring all these qualities with him and I&#39;m sure he&#39;ll have his own ideas, but one of the biggest assets will be his experience.&quot; 
 
United begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Bournemouth on August 14. 
 
(Reuters)

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has suggested he'll play Rooney in a more exciting, attacking role

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admits the arrival of Jose Mourinho has given him added motivation for the season ahead. Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has suggested he preferred to play Rooney in a more attacking role, rather than see him pull strings from midfield as he did under predecessor Louis van Gaal. Rooney will be looking to forge a formidable strike partnership with new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, after a dearth of goals under the Dutchman last season. "I'm really excited to be working with Jose this season," the 30-year-old told the club's official magazine. "He's one of the best managers in the world and it's an exciting time for Manchester United. I've always respected him both as a man and a manager. I like to think I'm always motivated as a player, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit more motivated when a new manager comes in. He'll bring all these qualities with him and I'm sure he'll have his own ideas, but one of the biggest assets will be his experience." United begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Bournemouth on August 14. (Reuters)

Rooney looks forward to playing under new manager and alongside Ibrahimovic

New England manager Sam Allardyce admitted Wayne Rooney has a significant part to play in his plans but refused to give assurances about the player&#39;s future as captain. 
 
Rooney recently expressed a desire to continue as skipper, despite criticism following England`s disastrous campaign at the 2016 European Championship in France. 
 
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho last week promised the 30-year-old that he would keep the armband at club level.&nbsp;But Allardyce, speaking at his first press conference since taking over from Roy Hodgson, did not follow suit. 
 
Instead England`s record goalscorer will have a nervous wait until September when Allardyce will meet his players for the first time ahead of their World Cup qualifier with Slovakia. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t want to put myself out in the open just yet. It&#39;s a decision that I&#39;ll make once I&#39;ve got my feet under the table,&quot; Allardyce said, when asked if Rooney would retain the captaincy. 
 
&quot;I have got to leave that until we reach all the players and get the coaching staff together and plan for the internationals in September.&nbsp;Will I wait until I meet the players? I think so. Put it this way - I still think Wayne Rooney still has a massive place to play in the England side. I don&#39;t think there is any doubt about that.&quot; 
 
Allardyce would not be drawn on whether he thinks Rooney is more suited to a midfield or striking role, and plans to follow Mourinho`s lead on where to deploy the player. 
 
&quot;What`s Rooney`s best position? I&#39;m not saying! I think Jose will determine that,&quot; added Allardyce. 
 
&quot;Because if Jose says he is not going to play him in centre midfield and he is playing up front and scoring goals for Manchester United then it would be pointless me bringing him into England and playing him in centre midfield,&quot; Allardyce, 61, acknowledged it is inevitable there will be occasions when he clashes with Premier League managers now he has crossed over into international management. 
 
He said: &quot;The demands on Premier League managers and demand on me as England manager is bound to cause some conflict down the line because the pressures are far greater than ever before. 
 
&quot;I think we suffered more sackings than ever before. So they are bound to want to protect their players and that is what I have to try and overcome with a little bit of give and take, hopefully.&quot; 
 
Allardyce, who signed a two-year contract to manage England, has promised his players that they will work in a &quot;fun&quot; environment while he is in charge. 
 
&quot;We don`t have to make it too monotonous when we are actually together,&quot; he explained. 
 
&quot;My style is very much in terms of man-management having a good relationship with the players. Not being distant. That`s not my style. I like to be in amongst the banter.&quot; 
 
Martin Glenn, the Football Association&#39;s chief executive, claimed that Allardyce was the only candidate that was offered the England job. 
 
And the former Blackburn, Bolton, Newcastle and Sunderland boss received a positive endorsement from legendary Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who was consulted over the appointment. 
 
&quot;The single biggest thing (Ferguson said) was he`s a winner. He`s got the edge. Winners can sometimes be a bit awkward. That was his phrase. He`s a winner,&quot; Glenn said. 
 
Sammy Lee, Allardyce`s former assistant at Bolton Wanderers, will be part of England`s backroom staff while Glenn also confirmed that the FA are holding talks with Bayern Munich assistant coach Paul Clement over a part-time role. 
 
(AFP)

He gave no assurance about Rooney's future as captain saying, 'It's a decision that I'll make once I've got my feet under the table'

New England manager Sam Allardyce admitted Wayne Rooney has a significant part to play in his plans but refused to give assurances about the player's future as captain. Rooney recently expressed a desire to continue as skipper, despite criticism following England`s disastrous campaign at the 2016 European Championship in France. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho last week promised the 30-year-old that he would keep the armband at club level. But Allardyce, speaking at his first press conference since taking over from Roy Hodgson, did not follow suit. Instead England`s record goalscorer will have a nervous wait until September when Allardyce will meet his players for the first time ahead of their World Cup qualifier with Slovakia. "I don't want to put myself out in the open just yet. It's a decision that I'll make once I've got my feet under the table," Allardyce said, when asked if Rooney would retain the captaincy. "I have got to leave that until we reach all the players and get the coaching staff together and plan for the internationals in September. Will I wait until I meet the players? I think so. Put it this way - I still think Wayne Rooney still has a massive place to play in the England side. I don't think there is any doubt about that." Allardyce would not be drawn on whether he thinks Rooney is more suited to a midfield or striking role, and plans to follow Mourinho`s lead on where to deploy the player. "What`s Rooney`s best position? I'm not saying! I think Jose will determine that," added Allardyce. "Because if Jose says he is not going to play him in centre midfield and he is playing up front and scoring goals for Manchester United then it would be pointless me bringing him into England and playing him in centre midfield," Allardyce, 61, acknowledged it is inevitable there will be occasions when he clashes with Premier League managers now he has crossed over into international management. He said: "The demands on Premier League managers and demand on me as England manager is bound to cause some conflict down the line because the pressures are far greater than ever before. "I think we suffered more sackings than ever before. So they are bound to want to protect their players and that is what I have to try and overcome with a little bit of give and take, hopefully." Allardyce, who signed a two-year contract to manage England, has promised his players that they will work in a "fun" environment while he is in charge. "We don`t have to make it too monotonous when we are actually together," he explained. "My style is very much in terms of man-management having a good relationship with the players. Not being distant. That`s not my style. I like to be in amongst the banter." Martin Glenn, the Football Association's chief executive, claimed that Allardyce was the only candidate that was offered the England job. And the former Blackburn, Bolton, Newcastle and Sunderland boss received a positive endorsement from legendary Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who was consulted over the appointment. "The single biggest thing (Ferguson said) was he`s a winner. He`s got the edge. Winners can sometimes be a bit awkward. That was his phrase. He`s a winner," Glenn said. Sammy Lee, Allardyce`s former assistant at Bolton Wanderers, will be part of England`s backroom staff while Glenn also confirmed that the FA are holding talks with Bayern Munich assistant coach Paul Clement over a part-time role. (AFP)

Jose Mourinho will determine Rooney's best position, says Allardyce

England&#39;s new manager Sam Allardyce vowed today to break the psychological barrier hindering performance of the country&#39;s big-name players at international level. 
 
Allardyce also revealed he has not yet made a decision on who will captain England, which leaves the Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney, heavily criticised for his performances at Euro 2016, sweating on whether he will retain the armband. 
 
England&#39;s campaign at last month&#39;s European Championships under predecessor Roy Hodgson culminated in a humiliating exit to Iceland in the last 16, despite boasting a squad packed with Premier League talent. Hodgson quickly quit. 
 
Allardyce, speaking at his first press conference at St George&rsquo;s Park following his appointment, will seek to address that faulty mindset as England bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 
 
&quot;The pressure on players at international level we will be looking at in depth,&quot; said the 61-year-old Englishman, nicknamed &#39;Big Sam&#39;, who lost out to Steve McClaren for the England job 10 years ago. 
 
&quot;I will exploit all areas for the benefit of the players. The key element is to get among the staff in place and talk about the programme going forward, particularly psychologically. 
 
&quot;It&rsquo;s not about potential now. It&rsquo;s about standing up and being counted even though some of those experiences have been bitter. Potential is a word I don&rsquo;t like to use too much. You want the actual quality of the player producing his best immediately.&quot; 
 
&quot;I think this group is very experienced and going forward can be producing more performances and better results. It&rsquo;s not just about qualifying, but going as far as we can.&quot; 
 
It is anticipated that Allardyce, a former manager of many clubs including Bolton, Newcastle, West Ham and most recently Sunderland, will not make a call on Rooney&#39;s captaincy until the players join up for the World Cup qualifier with Slovakia on September 4. 
 
&quot;That&#39;s far too early to make predictions in that area,&quot; Allardyce said, when asked if Rooney would continue as skipper. &quot;I will leave that (the captaincy) until we get together and plan for the qualifiers.&quot; 
 
Allardyce acknowledges England job as &#39;biggest challenge&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Allardyce, who guided Sunderland to Premier League last season having taken over with them in a desperate position, has never won a major trophy and acknowledged the England job is the &quot;biggest challenge&quot; of his managerial career. 
 
Allardyce believes, however, he has the right credentials for the position and remains confident the &quot;Three Lions&quot; will progress under his stewardship. 
 
&quot;This will be the greatest challenge for me in my long career and hopefully I will be as successful as I have in the rest of my career,&quot; said the man who has faced criticism down the years for long-ball football. 
 
Jose Mourinho famously once described Allardyce&#39;s football as &quot;19th century&quot;. 
 
&quot;I can turn things around pretty quickly. I can create a successful journey and that starts with us all pulling together,&quot; added Allardyce. 
 
&quot;What is my style? Pragmatic. Choosing styles and systems depends on who we are playing. My coaching technique is to win a football match, home or away, whether we are at Wembley or not, and adapt to the style we play to the opposition.&quot; 
 
&quot;I think the bonding of the team is exceptionally important. A game of football is to be enjoyed.&quot; 
 
Allardyce confirmed Sammy Lee, his former assistant when he was in charge of Bolton Wanderers, will become part of his backroom staff. 
 
He also called for the introduction of a winter break in the Premier League to help boost the national team&rsquo;s flagging fortunes. 
 
&quot;I have been an advocate of that for 10 years or more. The demand on players is enormous,&quot; he explained. 
 
&quot;The Premier League is the best league in the world so demand has to be on the players. It would help the Premier League and us at international level if we could try and achieve it.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Allardyce will seek to address that faulty mindset as England bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia

England's new manager Sam Allardyce vowed today to break the psychological barrier hindering performance of the country's big-name players at international level. Allardyce also revealed he has not yet made a decision on who will captain England, which leaves the Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney, heavily criticised for his performances at Euro 2016, sweating on whether he will retain the armband. England's campaign at last month's European Championships under predecessor Roy Hodgson culminated in a humiliating exit to Iceland in the last 16, despite boasting a squad packed with Premier League talent. Hodgson quickly quit. Allardyce, speaking at his first press conference at St George’s Park following his appointment, will seek to address that faulty mindset as England bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. "The pressure on players at international level we will be looking at in depth," said the 61-year-old Englishman, nicknamed 'Big Sam', who lost out to Steve McClaren for the England job 10 years ago. "I will exploit all areas for the benefit of the players. The key element is to get among the staff in place and talk about the programme going forward, particularly psychologically. "It’s not about potential now. It’s about standing up and being counted even though some of those experiences have been bitter. Potential is a word I don’t like to use too much. You want the actual quality of the player producing his best immediately." "I think this group is very experienced and going forward can be producing more performances and better results. It’s not just about qualifying, but going as far as we can." It is anticipated that Allardyce, a former manager of many clubs including Bolton, Newcastle, West Ham and most recently Sunderland, will not make a call on Rooney's captaincy until the players join up for the World Cup qualifier with Slovakia on September 4. "That's far too early to make predictions in that area," Allardyce said, when asked if Rooney would continue as skipper. "I will leave that (the captaincy) until we get together and plan for the qualifiers." Allardyce acknowledges England job as 'biggest challenge' Allardyce, who guided Sunderland to Premier League last season having taken over with them in a desperate position, has never won a major trophy and acknowledged the England job is the "biggest challenge" of his managerial career. Allardyce believes, however, he has the right credentials for the position and remains confident the "Three Lions" will progress under his stewardship. "This will be the greatest challenge for me in my long career and hopefully I will be as successful as I have in the rest of my career," said the man who has faced criticism down the years for long-ball football. Jose Mourinho famously once described Allardyce's football as "19th century". "I can turn things around pretty quickly. I can create a successful journey and that starts with us all pulling together," added Allardyce. "What is my style? Pragmatic. Choosing styles and systems depends on who we are playing. My coaching technique is to win a football match, home or away, whether we are at Wembley or not, and adapt to the style we play to the opposition." "I think the bonding of the team is exceptionally important. A game of football is to be enjoyed." Allardyce confirmed Sammy Lee, his former assistant when he was in charge of Bolton Wanderers, will become part of his backroom staff. He also called for the introduction of a winter break in the Premier League to help boost the national team’s flagging fortunes. "I have been an advocate of that for 10 years or more. The demand on players is enormous," he explained. "The Premier League is the best league in the world so demand has to be on the players. It would help the Premier League and us at international level if we could try and achieve it." (AFP)

New boss Sam Allardyce vows to improve England team mentality

Two-time defending champions Spain meet Italy in a mouthwatering last 16 clash at Euro 2016 today, while Wayne Rooney&#39;s England must overcome outsiders Iceland to reach the quarter-finals. 
 
To keep alive their hopes of a third consecutive European title, Spain must negotiate a repeat of the Euro 2012 final that they won 4-0. 
 
But they come into today&#39;s game at on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Croatia which relegated Vicente Del Bosque&#39;s team to runners-up in Group D and into the path of Italy so early in the tournmant. 
 
It will not get any easier for the winners as world champions Germany await in the quarter-finals. 
 
While Italy arrived at the tournament with low expectations they impressed in their first two matches and Del Bosque insists they will pose a formidable threat at the Stade de France. 
 
&quot;We have a lot of respect for a very strong team like Italy. They are just as much favourites as we are,&quot; he said. 
 
Recent history is on Spain&#39;s side -- they have won all seven of their knockout ties under Del Bosque at the Euros and World Cup. 
 
Italy coach Antonio Conte urged his players to defy the odds in the 1600 GMT kickoff. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t want to go home, the boys don&#39;t want to go home. We are not the sacrifical lamb. Spain have to show they are better on the pitch,&quot; said Conte, who will join Chelsea after the tournament. 
 
Spain will unleash striker Alvaro Morata, the competition&#39;s joint top scorer on three goals, on a solid Italian defence that he knows well from his just-completed two-year spell at Juventus. 
 
Italy will be without Antonio Candreva because of a groin injury, with Alessandro Florenzi likely to replace him on the right side of midfield. 
 
Chance of a lifetime&nbsp; 
 
England were spared the task of facing Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s Portugal when Iceland grabbed a last-gasp winner against Austria in their final group stage match. 
 
Iceland&#39;s population of 330,000 makes them the smallest nation ever to have qualified for a major tournament and they approach the game in Nice as underdogs. 
 
But the pressure is on England coach Roy Hodgson, who was criticised for weakening the side with six changes in the final group game against Slovakia which ended in a goalless stalemate. 
 
Finishing second in Group B behind Wales put England into the more difficult side of the draw and if they overcome Iceland they will have to face hosts France in the capital on Sunday. 
 
Hodgson has called the match in Nice (kickoff 1900 GMT) a &quot;win or bust&quot; clash and a defeat would call into question his future, but he has insisted he will not &quot;beg&quot; for his job. 
 
&quot;I am prepared to carry on. It is different to wanting it. I&#39;m prepared to carry on if the FA want me to,&quot; Hodgson said. 
 
&quot;If they don&#39;t want me to, then my contract will have run out and that is how that will be. So I&#39;m not begging for the job.&quot; 
 
England captain Rooney, who has yet to score at Euro 2016, said he is wary of an Iceland team that twice defeated the Netherlands in qualifying and held Portugal in their opening group game. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re not going into this game showing a lack of respect for Iceland. We&#39;re showing full respect.&quot; 
 
Iceland&#39;s co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said the game represents the opportunity of a lifetime for his players. 
 
&quot;If we beat England, their lives will change forever, and significantly. Icelandic football will go up in reputation and the way we approach football will be different,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;But whichever way this goes, these players are winners already.&quot; 
 
Iceland have complained they have only been granted between 3,000 and 3,500 places in the 34,500-capacity Stade de Nice, but thousands of their fans invaded Nice where they were drinking and swapping chants with England fans before the match. 
 
(AFP)

To keep alive their hopes of a third consecutive European title, Spain must negotiate a repeat of the Euro 2012 final which they won by 4-0

Two-time defending champions Spain meet Italy in a mouthwatering last 16 clash at Euro 2016 today, while Wayne Rooney's England must overcome outsiders Iceland to reach the quarter-finals. To keep alive their hopes of a third consecutive European title, Spain must negotiate a repeat of the Euro 2012 final that they won 4-0. But they come into today's game at on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Croatia which relegated Vicente Del Bosque's team to runners-up in Group D and into the path of Italy so early in the tournmant. It will not get any easier for the winners as world champions Germany await in the quarter-finals. While Italy arrived at the tournament with low expectations they impressed in their first two matches and Del Bosque insists they will pose a formidable threat at the Stade de France. "We have a lot of respect for a very strong team like Italy. They are just as much favourites as we are," he said. Recent history is on Spain's side -- they have won all seven of their knockout ties under Del Bosque at the Euros and World Cup. Italy coach Antonio Conte urged his players to defy the odds in the 1600 GMT kickoff. "I don't want to go home, the boys don't want to go home. We are not the sacrifical lamb. Spain have to show they are better on the pitch," said Conte, who will join Chelsea after the tournament. Spain will unleash striker Alvaro Morata, the competition's joint top scorer on three goals, on a solid Italian defence that he knows well from his just-completed two-year spell at Juventus. Italy will be without Antonio Candreva because of a groin injury, with Alessandro Florenzi likely to replace him on the right side of midfield. Chance of a lifetime England were spared the task of facing Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal when Iceland grabbed a last-gasp winner against Austria in their final group stage match. Iceland's population of 330,000 makes them the smallest nation ever to have qualified for a major tournament and they approach the game in Nice as underdogs. But the pressure is on England coach Roy Hodgson, who was criticised for weakening the side with six changes in the final group game against Slovakia which ended in a goalless stalemate. Finishing second in Group B behind Wales put England into the more difficult side of the draw and if they overcome Iceland they will have to face hosts France in the capital on Sunday. Hodgson has called the match in Nice (kickoff 1900 GMT) a "win or bust" clash and a defeat would call into question his future, but he has insisted he will not "beg" for his job. "I am prepared to carry on. It is different to wanting it. I'm prepared to carry on if the FA want me to," Hodgson said. "If they don't want me to, then my contract will have run out and that is how that will be. So I'm not begging for the job." England captain Rooney, who has yet to score at Euro 2016, said he is wary of an Iceland team that twice defeated the Netherlands in qualifying and held Portugal in their opening group game. "We're not going into this game showing a lack of respect for Iceland. We're showing full respect." Iceland's co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said the game represents the opportunity of a lifetime for his players. "If we beat England, their lives will change forever, and significantly. Icelandic football will go up in reputation and the way we approach football will be different," he said. "But whichever way this goes, these players are winners already." Iceland have complained they have only been granted between 3,000 and 3,500 places in the 34,500-capacity Stade de Nice, but thousands of their fans invaded Nice where they were drinking and swapping chants with England fans before the match. (AFP)

Spain-Italy in 'early final', England eye quarters

England had to settle for a goalless draw against Slovakia on Monday although that was enough for Roy Hodgson&#39;s team to reach the knockout phase by finishing second in Group B behind Wales. 
 
England dominated the match but their failure to beat Slovakia, who came third and should also go through to the last 16, means they will face the runners-up of Group F. 
 
England made six changes and their new-look lineup created several chances, with Jamie Vardy, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and substitute Deli Alli making efforts to break the deadlock. 
 
But despite the roar of their fans, who vastly outnumbered Slovakia&#39;s in the St Etienne stadium, known locally as the cauldron, they could not find a way through the Slovak defence. 
 
England are second in the group with five points, one behind first-placed Wales who beat Russia 3-0 and will play their last 16 tie in Nice on June 27. 
 
If England had finished top, they would have played a third-placed team in Paris two days earlier in a location much closer to their training base which would have suited Hodgson. 
 
Slovakia, on four points, must wait to see if they go through as one of the four best third-placed teams. 
 
Hodgson took a major gamble by revamping the side that beat Wales 2-1 last Thursday, including resting captain Wayne Rooney, and saw his team make a bright start. 
 
Vardy posed a constant threat in the first half and full back Clyne, replacing Kyle Walker, regularly troubled the Slovak defence with probing runs down the right wing. 
 
Vardy fired just over the bar in the opening minutes, and then flicked on a header that set up a chance for strike partner Daniel Sturridge. 
 
Soon after, Vardy outsprinted fullback Martin Skrtel, running onto a long ball inside the penalty area but firing his shot straight at keeper Matus Kozacik. 
 
In one of England&#39;s best moves, a pass from Clyne set up Lallana for a stinging shot that forced a diving two-handed save from Kozacik. 
 
For Slovakia, Viktor Pecovsky shot harmlessly over the bar, and Marek Hamsik wriggled clear of centre-half Gary Cahill and fired across the face of goal. 
 
With Wales leading Russia at halftime, England came out for the second half knowing they needed to score in their quest to finish top. 
 
They had anxious moments when a mix-up between goalkeeper Joe Hart and defender Chris Smalling nearly let in Robert Mak, and Vladimir Weiss had a low shot saved, but otherwise they continued to put Slovakia under pressure. 
 
Clyne&#39;s shot from a narrow angle bounced off the keeper&#39;s shoulder and Alli, with his first touch after coming off the bench, forced a goal line clearance from Skrtel. 
 
Sturridge just failed to get a touch on a long pass into the penalty area and Rooney, on as substitute, had a shot from 20 metres deflected wide.&nbsp; 
 
Striker Harry Kane also came on and put a header wide, while a Gary Cahill header from a corner went straight at Kozacik. 
 
With Prince William, among the crowd, grimacing and holding his head at a series of near-misses, England kept pushing for a goal but to no avail. 
 
(Reuters)

They finish second in group B behind surprise toppers Wales

England had to settle for a goalless draw against Slovakia on Monday although that was enough for Roy Hodgson's team to reach the knockout phase by finishing second in Group B behind Wales. England dominated the match but their failure to beat Slovakia, who came third and should also go through to the last 16, means they will face the runners-up of Group F. England made six changes and their new-look lineup created several chances, with Jamie Vardy, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and substitute Deli Alli making efforts to break the deadlock. But despite the roar of their fans, who vastly outnumbered Slovakia's in the St Etienne stadium, known locally as the cauldron, they could not find a way through the Slovak defence. England are second in the group with five points, one behind first-placed Wales who beat Russia 3-0 and will play their last 16 tie in Nice on June 27. If England had finished top, they would have played a third-placed team in Paris two days earlier in a location much closer to their training base which would have suited Hodgson. Slovakia, on four points, must wait to see if they go through as one of the four best third-placed teams. Hodgson took a major gamble by revamping the side that beat Wales 2-1 last Thursday, including resting captain Wayne Rooney, and saw his team make a bright start. Vardy posed a constant threat in the first half and full back Clyne, replacing Kyle Walker, regularly troubled the Slovak defence with probing runs down the right wing. Vardy fired just over the bar in the opening minutes, and then flicked on a header that set up a chance for strike partner Daniel Sturridge. Soon after, Vardy outsprinted fullback Martin Skrtel, running onto a long ball inside the penalty area but firing his shot straight at keeper Matus Kozacik. In one of England's best moves, a pass from Clyne set up Lallana for a stinging shot that forced a diving two-handed save from Kozacik. For Slovakia, Viktor Pecovsky shot harmlessly over the bar, and Marek Hamsik wriggled clear of centre-half Gary Cahill and fired across the face of goal. With Wales leading Russia at halftime, England came out for the second half knowing they needed to score in their quest to finish top. They had anxious moments when a mix-up between goalkeeper Joe Hart and defender Chris Smalling nearly let in Robert Mak, and Vladimir Weiss had a low shot saved, but otherwise they continued to put Slovakia under pressure. Clyne's shot from a narrow angle bounced off the keeper's shoulder and Alli, with his first touch after coming off the bench, forced a goal line clearance from Skrtel. Sturridge just failed to get a touch on a long pass into the penalty area and Rooney, on as substitute, had a shot from 20 metres deflected wide. Striker Harry Kane also came on and put a header wide, while a Gary Cahill header from a corner went straight at Kozacik. With Prince William, among the crowd, grimacing and holding his head at a series of near-misses, England kept pushing for a goal but to no avail. (Reuters)

England draw Slovakia 0-0 but go through to last 16

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