Captain Rooney to start against Scots, confirms Southgate

Mark Scott
Gareth Southgate: Keeps an eye on Wayne Rooney

Gareth Southgate: Keeps an eye on Wayne Rooney

Gareth Southgate has confirmed Wayne Rooney will return to captain England against Scotland in the World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Friday night.

Rooney was dropped for the goalless draw with Slovenia last month while he has also been left out by Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho at club level recently.

The 31-year-old returned to United’s starting line-up in the 3-1 victory over Swansea last weekend and England interim boss Southgate says his skipper is now “in a better place”.

Speaking at a press conference, Southgate added: “He’s confident and I think experience in a game like this is important, in a team that has a lot of energy and potential, but you also need a lot of experience.”

“[Rooney] is in a better place than he was in the last get together in terms of his sharpness, I think he’s an experienced player for a game like this, there was no hesitation from me in selecting him.

“He’s playing well for Manchester United, I think he’s a player who it helps when he gets into a rhythm.”