England fans were quick to express their delight at the news Wayne Rooney had been selected to start Gareth Southgate’s first match in charge of the national side, Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Malta.
Rooney, his nation’s all-time leading goal scorer, captains the side off the back of a red hot streak of one goal in 12 appearances in 2016/17 – a scoring record only bettered by countrymen Marcus Rashford, Troy Deeney, Theo Walcott, Adam Lallana, Jermainie Defoe, Raheem Sterling, Michail Antonio and Liverpool left-back, James Milner.
Within minutes of the team’s announcement, social media was awash with joyous Rooney fans who praised Southgate’s decision to stick with their main man.
Rooney starts. Southgate has gone mad already.
— Zak (@ZakPugh) October 8, 2016
Some suggested that such a selection was worthy of giving the England job to Southgate on a permanent basis.
https://twitter.com/ianbaker411/status/784774317078876161
Elsewhere, Manchester United supporters, who have witnessed Rooney’s scintillating form up close, were also happy to see their captain named in the team.
https://twitter.com/willperryparks/status/784775023366144000
Although others were obviously concerned that their striker made it through the game without picking up an injury.
I see the international break as an opportunity to see Rooney getting injured
— . (@PiqueBlinders) October 8, 2016
Other supporters noted that Rooney wasn’t necessarily in the side for his goals, instead occupying the midfield berth in which he has flourished in for his club on many occasions this season.
https://twitter.com/benjohntrasler/status/784774942760067072
So you're telling me Rooney is better than Dier in midfield??? Get outta hereeeee
— Ben λ (@Benb2215) October 8, 2016
If Rooney is starting in defensive midfield position, that should be enough not to give Southgate the full time job
— Ricky Jana (@rickyjana) October 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/Luke_DCFC/status/784767174351134720
Regardless of where Rooney plays for his country, there’s little doubt that his country have complete faith in his ability to perform.
https://twitter.com/bxstock/status/784767845645295617
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