Skip to content

Rooney ruffled, but says his game has changed 'for the best'

Dan Mullan / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Marseille - A prickly Wayne Rooney claimed his game has "changed for the best" as he faces the biggest fight of his 13-year international career to hold onto his England place at Euro 2016.

England's talisman ever since he burst onto the scene as a gifted 18-year-old at Euro 2004, Rooney has gone to five major tournaments as one of the first names on the team-sheet.

But competition from emerging stars such as Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, coupled with doubts about his own form and fitness, mean that England's all-time record goal-scorer is no longer an automatic pick.

Rooney is hoping to line up alongside Kane and Vardy when England faces Russia at Marseille's Stade Velodrome on Saturday.

But 12 years after his competition debut, the player once dubbed the 'White Pele' has lost some of his shine.

A question on his recent switch to an attacking midfield position rather than as an out-and-out striker appeared to ruffle the 30-year-old as he spoke to media on Friday.

But Rooney hit back: "Everyone who watches the game of football is entitled to their opinions. I know the qualities I have and, to be honest, I don't have to sit here and defend myself.

"I have played this game for a lot of years and I am aware my game has changed slightly over the years and, in my opinion, it has changed for the better.

"Everyone of course is entitled to their opinions but the opinions which matter to me are those of my coaches and my team-mates."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox