Sam Allardyce has confirmed Wayne Rooney will retain the England captaincy.
As BBC Sport report: “Rooney is England’s record goalscorer and took on the armband from Steven Gerrard a year ago.
“Allardyce said Manchester United captain Rooney was ‘hugely respected by his peers’ and has ‘enjoyed the responsibility’ as captain.
“The England squad is preparing for Sunday’s opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in Slovakia.
“Rooney, 30, led Roy Hodgson’s England side during Euro 2016, which ended with a disappointing last-16 exit to international minnows Iceland.
“But Allardyce said Rooney had been ‘an excellent captain for England’ and as the most senior squad member was the ‘right choice to lead the team’.”
Meanwhile…
- Michail Antonio admits he thought West Ham’s physio was pranking him over his England call up [101 Great Goals]
- Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has returned home to Argentina but remains doubtful for World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela [Sports Fan]
- Thierry Henry impresses Belgium stars in his first day in his coaching role [Telegraph]
- Arsenal are ready to let midfielder Jack Wilshere leave the club on loan [Off The Post]
- West Brom confirm signing of Nacer Chadli from Tottenham [WBA Official]
- Robbie Keane prepares for his final Republic of Ireland game [BBC Sport]
- Southampton break their transfer record to sign Sofiane Boufal [Saints FC Official]
- Watford sign Stefano Okaka from Anderlecht [Guardian]
- Leicester’s £25m Islam Slimani bid rejected [Daily Star]
- Lyon turned down West Ham’s €50m bid for Alexandre Lacazette [ESPN]
