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England vs Norway: Wayne Rooney looks to 'start of a new chapter' with England

The Manchester United striker is preparing to wear the armband for the first time since being appointed captain

Agency
Tuesday 02 September 2014 17:12 BST
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Wayne Rooney together with Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere
Wayne Rooney together with Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere (GETTY IMAGES)

New England captain Wayne Rooney insists he is relishing the chance of leading his country into a successful new era following their dismal World Cup campaign.

England coach Roy Hodgson installed Rooney as his new captain last week for the 2016 European Championship qualifying campaign following Steven Gerrard's retirement from international football in the wake of England's group-stage exit in Brazil earlier this summer.

Rooney will lead England out for the first time as full-time captain in Wednesday's friendly against Norway at Wembley and then in their first Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland in Basle on Monday and he is thrilled to have been given the nod.

The Manchester United forward said: "It's a great honour to captain your country, it's something I'm extremely proud of and I want to be a successful captain.

"I want this team to be successful and I'm sure that all the team want that.

"We're working hard to to try and get there and tomorrow's the start of a new chapter."

Asked about what qualities he thinks he brings to the role of captain, Rooney added: "I think I'm always very demanding, demanding of myself in the way I play and what I expect of myself.

"When playing for your country that's what every player has to give and I know the players will do that.

"I've obviously worked under some fantastic captains in the past and watching them and how they have adapted to the role I will try to take the qualities that they have had and add my own ingredients and hopefully I can be a successful captain."

Jack Colback, one of four new faces in the England squad, will not be making his senior debut on Wednesday after picking up an injury while playing for Newcastle at the weekend.

Hodgson confirmed Colback's absence from Wednesday night's match, saying: "He's been having treatment since we got together on the Sunday but unfortunately it's still going to be a day too soon for him.

"Hopefully he'll recover by Thursday so when we go to St George's Park he'll train but unfortunately he's out of the game for tomorrow, but he's the only one."

PA

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