Rooney: Not ready for England armband
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Wayne Rooney says he does not consider the possibility of becoming England captain, insisting he is too young.
Manager Fabio Capello has reinstated Chelsea centre-half John Terry as skipper for the Three Lions’ upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales next Saturday, despite stripping the 30-year-old of the armband last year over issues in his personal life.
Manchester United striker Rooney says Terry is a natural leader in the squad, and feels he himself does not yet have enough experience to take the post.
Too young
He told the Daily Star: “Being honest, I think I am way too young to do it now.
“It’s a massive thing to captain your country. I’ve done it once – against Brazil in Doha two years ago – and it’s something I will never forget.
“For us as players, though, it’s down to the manager who he picks as captain and there’s nothing we can do to influence it. It’s Fabio Capello’s decision.”
He added: “The captain has to shout and be a leader but I’ve said many times that JT, even when not captain, is a massive leader for us.
“I don’t really think about being captain but if I managed to become England skipper, it would be a great honour for me.
“But as I say, I think I am too young now.”
Capello has attracted criticism for passing the captaincy around over the past year, with Steven Gerrard taking the armband for England’s disastrous World Cup campaign last year when the manager’s initial successor to Terry, Rio Ferdinand, was ruled out with injury.
But Rooney does not feel the situation was a factor in England’s poor display in South Africa, adding: “I don’t think the captaincy issue overshadowed the World Cup.
“Rio went to South Africa as captain and got injured and Steve Gerrard took over and did a good job.”
After an uninspiring start to the season, Rooney has shown glimpses of his top form in recent matches, scoring three goals in his last six games in all competitions for Manchester United.
Victory against Bolton on Saturday fired United five points clear at the top of the Premier League, keeping them on course for their 19th league title.
And former Everton hitman Rooney admits breaking fierce rivals Liverpool’s record haul of titles is never far from his mind.
Aim
“It is something I have been thinking about a lot,” he said.
“Coming from Liverpool and growing up as an Everton fan, to be part of the team that overtakes Liverpool would mean so much to us players as well as the fans.
“I know all Everton fans want us to do it and it’s our aim.”
