Upon Gareth Southgate’s appointment as interim manager of the English national team, questions immediately emerged as to whether a new captain would be named.
Wayne Rooney has been the man trusted with the task since Steven Gerrard’s retirement, a role the Man Unites skipper has held threw Roy Hodgson’s spell to Sam Allardyce’s short reign.
Southgate, who still retains his duty as England’s under-21 side’s boss, decided to keep faith in Rooney and keep him on as skipper.
This decision may not have sat well with the all of the fans, given the numerous cries for the Red Devils ace to be benched. Regardless, Southgate revealed the key reason why Rooney will continue to wear the captain’s armband: his leadership.
“The decision to make him captain is quite simple,” Southgate said in a press conference, as per the Guardian.
“What I felt from what I have seen around St George’s, what I gleaned from talking to staff over the two years, is that he is the outstanding leader in the group.
“The most important thing at this time is leadership, on and off the field, and Wayne has provided that over the last two years.
“The way he has matured into that is really impressive. I have no doubt in my mind about keeping him in that position.”
Southgate will lead the Three Lions at Wembley for his first game on October 8, as England look to carry on their World Cup qualifying campaign.
With yet another international break upon us, England will lock horns with Malta having won the first fixture 1-0 against Slovakia.
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