Rooney not taking England spot for granted
Wayne Rooney has insisted that he does not take his England place for granted but believes the squad will need experienced heads at Euro 2016.
The Manchester United striker added that he is excited by the challenge from the likes of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy for a place in the side.
England defeated Germany 3-2 on Friday night — with Rooney absent due to injury — as Kane and Vardy both scored. The United striker was also ruled out of the Netherlands game on Tuesday night with his knee injury — which is likely to keep him out for around another 10 days.
Rooney told ITV Sport: “As I’ve said throughout my career for Manchester United and England, I never take my place for granted.
“Obviously you want to play. It’s great that the competition has been there — and it hasn’t always been there — and it’s exciting to be a part of. I’m going to keep going and get ready.
“I don’t think in terms of fighting for my place. It’s exciting. In the previous tournaments, if everyone’s fit, more or less the team is set. Now, no-one knows what is going to happen.
“The manager can play three or four teams in different combinations if he wants. I really believe we’ve got that quality. For the country, it’s going to be an exciting tournament.”
Rooney added that it would be a “huge honour” to captain his team in a major tournament again.
Discussing the need for experience, the 30-year-old said: “Where you need to be careful is that there are so many of them who have not been to a tournament. When I went for the first time, I was probably the only one who hadn’t been.
“I think you can get away with one player like that but, when there’s a lot of them, I think it’s important that the likes of myself, Joe Hart and Gary Cahill can give them advice and help, which will make them feel more comfortable on the pitch.”
Reflecting on the win over Germany, coming back from 2-0 away from home, Rooney said: “To go and perform like they did and get the three goals was incredible. That belief that the squad has got is there for everybody to see.”
