LONDON: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was named England captain on Thursday, taking over the leadership role of an inexperienced team in a rebuilding phase following its worst-ever World Cup.

The 28-year-old forward has won 95 caps since making his debut against Australia in February 2003, scoring 40 goals, and was also named captain of United two weeks ago.

Rooney, who succeeds Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard after he stepped down after England’s group-phase exit at the World Cup, will lead his country in a friendly against Norway on Sept 3 and their opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland on Sept 8.

“To be named as England captain is a dream come true for me personally and, of course, for my family,” Rooney said in a statement published on the Football Association website.

“It is something I will take massive pride in doing. As a kid I always loved the occasion of watching a big England game on the television.

“Back then I had a burning ambition to play for my country. Now to be appointed captain is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Coach Roy Hodgson made the announcement at a media conference at Wembley as he unveiled his squad for the fixtures against Norway and Switzerland. Defenders Calum Chambers and Danny Rose, and midfielders Jack Colback and Fabian Delph were called up for the first time.

Rooney has been handed the symbolically-prestigious captaincy role despite a rocky relationship in the past with fans, questions about his temperament following red cards on international duty, and facing criticism over indiscretions in his personal life.

Rooney was sent off playing for England against Portugal at the 2006 World Cup and against Montenegro in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2014