World Cup

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World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage

Oct 11, 2016 at 7.45pm UK

Slovenia
0-0
England

Wayne Rooney: 'I will not turn my back on England'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 11 October 2016

England captain Wayne Rooney insists that he will not turn his back on his country after being dropped to the bench for the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.

Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has vowed to bounce back from losing his place in the team at both international and club level.

The 30-year-old has started the last three United games on the bench, while yesterday interim England boss Gareth Southgate confirmed that he will not start in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.

However, Rooney insists that he will continue to work hard for a place in the team and believes that he still has plenty of time ahead of him to do so.

"I think there are many people playing in the Premier League and around the country who would only dream of being part of an England squad," he told reporters.

"I've done it 117 times, but of course a time comes where there might be a bit of a change, but all I can do is keep working and turning up, so that I am ready when called upon. I understand this is part of football. It is something which you have to go through and I am big enough to deal with it.

"I am 30 years of age. I am not 35 or 36 where you are thinking, 'Can you get back from it?'. I will just keep working. I have said before that I will not stop playing for England and then think of going to Dubai for a few days in the international break. I will turn up when called upon and be ready."

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson will replace Rooney as captain for the match in Slovenia.