That’s a departure from the midfield role Rooney played at the Euros – a decision that came after saying that he thinks he should be a midfielder for the remainder of his career – and closer to the forward spot he played for most of the last dozen years. We have to put it behind us.
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Allardyce moved to clarify Rooney’s position in Monday’s press conference, stressing he was still considered an attacking player, and the former Everton striker insists he is happy playing anywhere for his country.
“I have had a fantastic worldwide career so far, played a lot of games and enjoyed every minute but at some point it is going to come to an end”, he said. I feel I’ve still got something to offer this team and the manager feels that as well.
“Everyone kept on telling me: “Wait for your opportunity and make sure that you take it” – and that’s what I did”. It will be Allardyce’s first game in charge. Rooney will don the armband under Allardyce for the first time on Sunday when England launch their attempt to reach the next World Cup in Russian Federation with a game against Slovakia in Trnava.
Alan Shearer recently made the bold claim that Rooney ought to retire from global football in the interest of consolidating his Manchester United career.
Allardyce is trying his best to make a good early impression.
“But I think Wayne has done the job very well”. The managers and players haven’t found out why, but Sam will try to find out why it’s happening.
And Allardyce has made it clear to the 26-year-old that his place in the squad for Sunday’s World Cup qualifier is well-deserved.
Allardyce said the 18-year-old’s inclusion in England’s Under-21s “will be invaluable for us later down the line”. It has been the case with a lot of experienced players who have played at the top level for many years.
The 1966 world champions suffered an embarrassing exit at the hands of Iceland in the round of 16 in Euro 2016. We have bad memories from the last game obviously.
“Wayne is playing behind the front man at Manchester United…”
Antonio joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest for £7m in 2015 having played for Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton since starting his career at non-league Tooting & Mitcham.
Antonio only learned of his call-up after speaking to one of West Ham’s medical staff in the wake of Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Manchester City, where he scored the visitors’ only goal.
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“The quality of the player has shown through in every league he has played”, Allardyce said.
