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Wayne Rooney to captain England against San Marino in absence of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard
Wayne Rooney has revealed his pride at being made England captain for a the first time in a competitive match - and vowed to get the best out of himself and his team-mates.
Rooney will lead England in tomorrow evening's World Cup qualifier with minnows San Marino at Wembley in the absence of the suspended Steven Gerrard and injured Frank Lampard.
The only other time he led his country was in the friendly international with Brazil in Doha three years ago.
But head coach Roy Hodgson has awarded Rooney the armband in what will be his first appearance for his country since the Euro 2012 finals.
The Manchester United star said: "It is a great honour. I'm really proud and excited. It will be a big night for me and my family.
"It is a big challenge for myself. I don't know what sort of captain I am and I already speak with all the players whether it is younger or older.
"But I will try and get the best out of myself and the other players - and hopefully they can get the best out of me.
"Hopefully it will be a great result for us and I'm looking forward to the game."
Rooney reiterated the need to show his best form for his country in what has been a chequered international career after an explosive start highlighted by his performances at Euro 2004.
He said: "Am I unfulfilled at international level? That is fair. I haven't been at my best for England and that is something I'm desperate to put right.
"I think us as a team and as a country, we need to be more successful and better in tournament football."
It is also 10 years since Rooney announced his arrival as an extra special talent with his wonder goal for Everton against Arsenal.
He said: "I think things have gone well and been successful. At club level I've won nine trophies and the only thing missing is being successful and to win things with England.
"That is what we are aiming to do. There are new coaching staff and a lot of young players have come into the squad and the future is bright for us.
"If we keep working hard and working together, I'm sure we'll have a great chance in the future of being successful."
Rooney admitted: "From my point of view, the first few years were the hardest to live up in terms of expectations.
"The first few years are the most difficult part to adjust your life.
"Now I'm not too concerned about it. I don't go out, I go to a restaurant with my wife and family and keep myself to myself."
Hodgson is delighted to have Rooney back available for a game England should win with ease against a side ranked 207th in the FIFA world rankings.
He said: "I'm really pleased about to have him back. I enjoy working with Wayne. We had a good Euros.
"I was a bit disappointed when he got that terrible gash in his leg and I was even worried at the time it might keep him out in October as well as September.
"Luckily he has made a quick recovery and he will captain the team in the first game."
Wayne Rooney to captain England against San Marino in absence of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard - Telegraph
Wayne Rooney has revealed his pride at being made England captain for a the first time in a competitive match - and vowed to get the best out of himself and his team-mates.
Rooney will lead England in tomorrow evening's World Cup qualifier with minnows San Marino at Wembley in the absence of the suspended Steven Gerrard and injured Frank Lampard.
The only other time he led his country was in the friendly international with Brazil in Doha three years ago.
But head coach Roy Hodgson has awarded Rooney the armband in what will be his first appearance for his country since the Euro 2012 finals.
The Manchester United star said: "It is a great honour. I'm really proud and excited. It will be a big night for me and my family.
"It is a big challenge for myself. I don't know what sort of captain I am and I already speak with all the players whether it is younger or older.
"But I will try and get the best out of myself and the other players - and hopefully they can get the best out of me.
"Hopefully it will be a great result for us and I'm looking forward to the game."
Rooney reiterated the need to show his best form for his country in what has been a chequered international career after an explosive start highlighted by his performances at Euro 2004.
He said: "Am I unfulfilled at international level? That is fair. I haven't been at my best for England and that is something I'm desperate to put right.
"I think us as a team and as a country, we need to be more successful and better in tournament football."
It is also 10 years since Rooney announced his arrival as an extra special talent with his wonder goal for Everton against Arsenal.
He said: "I think things have gone well and been successful. At club level I've won nine trophies and the only thing missing is being successful and to win things with England.
"That is what we are aiming to do. There are new coaching staff and a lot of young players have come into the squad and the future is bright for us.
"If we keep working hard and working together, I'm sure we'll have a great chance in the future of being successful."
Rooney admitted: "From my point of view, the first few years were the hardest to live up in terms of expectations.
"The first few years are the most difficult part to adjust your life.
"Now I'm not too concerned about it. I don't go out, I go to a restaurant with my wife and family and keep myself to myself."
Hodgson is delighted to have Rooney back available for a game England should win with ease against a side ranked 207th in the FIFA world rankings.
He said: "I'm really pleased about to have him back. I enjoy working with Wayne. We had a good Euros.
"I was a bit disappointed when he got that terrible gash in his leg and I was even worried at the time it might keep him out in October as well as September.
"Luckily he has made a quick recovery and he will captain the team in the first game."
Wayne Rooney to captain England against San Marino in absence of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard - Telegraph
