WATFORD: As he prepares to lead England as captain against Norway on Wednesday, Wayne Rooney says he will not consider his tenure a success unless it sees him lift a trophy.
The 28-year-old Manchester United striker was last week appointed as Steven Gerrard’s successor as skipper after the Liverpool midfielder retired from international football following the World Cup.
With 95 caps to his name, Rooney has at least twice as much experience as any other member of Roy Hodgson’s current squad.
He has known nothing but disappointment at the five major tournaments he has played in, but despite England’s dismal group-stage exit at the World Cup, he still believes he can inspire the team to glory.
“I’ve always wanted to win a trophy with England, and if I can lead us to do that, that’ll be the pinnacle of my career,” he told journalists at an eve-of-match briefing on Tuesday.
“That will be very difficult, but I really do think it’s achievable. Look at the players we’ve got. They’re exciting players.
“They have to do what they do for their clubs with England, and we have to bring that together. Of course it’s very difficult. It is for any country, but that has to be our aim. It’s pointless not having that as your aim or your desire.” (Agencies)
