Some former players have been unable to accept the success which England have found under Gareth Southgate, according to Wayne Rooney.
The 33-year-old made his final appearance for his country on Thursday, coming off the bench in a 3-0 win against USA.
"I know there are some ex-players who I’ve spoken to who can’t come to terms with England doing well," Rooney is quoted as saying by The Guardian.
That is wrong. I’m not like that. I’m a fan now. I want England to do well.
I am proud to have played for England so many times and I always have been. I’ve had my time. I am happy with what I’ve contributed to the national team and I look forward now to the next few years and watching this team progress.
Rooney did not go into specifics regarding who he was talking about. The former Manchester United forward, now on the books at MLS side DC United, said that the current England team has the potential to go further than the World Cup semi-final which they reached during the summer.
"The team I played in had superstars, but this team has also got superstars,” the 33-year-old said. “Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, John Stones – one of the best centre-backs in world football. England have got great players and they’ve also got young players.
"I think this is a great squad, with other players who can come in if there are injuries. I have also seen first-hand that they are getting coached right, with good ideas, and the players are responding well to that. Hopefully this team can be the one to bring a trophy home."
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
