Rooney names as captain for San Marion clash

Wayne Rooney has been named England captain in tonight’s World Cup qualifier with San Marino.

Rooney will step into the role with both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard out through suspension and injury.

Rooney, who has won 76 caps for his country will lead out the team for his first competitive game as captain,  he has said:  “It’s a big challenge for myself, and I’m excited. Hopefully we can cap the day off with a good victory.”

“The players don’t want to let the fans down,” he continued.

“The fans, since I’ve been involved with England, have been fantastic. They follow us around the world. We’re looking forward to the game and hopefully we can deliver for the fans.”

England manager Roy Hodgson is also enthusiastic by the sell-out crowd at Wembley. He said: “It shows the support there is for the national team football in this country, and how lucky we are to have an arena that takes 90,000 people,”

Hodgson did not appear overly concerned by San Marino, who have won only one and drawn five of their 114 internationals, conceding 473 goals.

Roy Hodgson has refused to disclose who will be in his starting eleven, however, he has reveled the trip to Warsaw next week will influence his selection.

He said: “We have a very important [World Cup qualifying] game in Poland on Tuesday, so of course a lot of my thoughts are how best to use my squad,

“He added: I know whatever team I choose at Wembley is likely to win the game.”

Rooney who has worn the armband once before, deputising for John Terry in a 1-0 defeat to Brazil in November 2009.

The Manchester United star said: “It is a great honour. I’m really proud and excited. It will be a big night for me and my family.

“It is a big challenge for myself. I don’t know what sort of captain I am and I already speak with all the players whether it is younger or older.

“But I will try and get the best out of myself and the other players — and hopefully they can get the best out of me.