‘I would’ve done the same’ – Rooney comeback Praised by Wealdstone Boss Bobby Wilkinson
‘I would’ve done the same’ – Rooney comeback Praised by Wealdstone Boss Bobby Wilkinson
Wealdstone manager Bobby Wilkinson has said it was ‘a great thing’ to give Wayne Rooney another match for England.
The Stones manager defended England boss Gareth Southgate amongst the controversy: “He played really well last night, he didn’t let himself down and he came on, gave 110% and should have scored. If I was the manager, I would’ve given him the number 10 shirt, the captain’s armband and would’ve honoured him.”
Rooney was given the captain’s armband when he came on as a substitute for Fabian Delph in his 120th cap for England last night in a 3-0 win against USA at Wembley Stadium. He is England’s highest scoring player with 53 goals.
Peter Shilton, England’s record cap holder, told the BBC that ‘caps cannot be given out like gifts.’ But Bobby Wilkinson was all in favour of the 33-year-old striker playing one more game, after Rooney came under much criticism for his decision.
“The man is a legend. He’s our top goal-scorer who has taken a lot of criticism for this. Every other country does it, they honour the greats.
“I think it was a great thing that we did for him last night, with everything going to charity too. He’s a legend for England and he wore than shirt with pride every time he played.”
Rooney currently plays for MLS club D.C United and has scored 12 goals in his 21 appearances. Wilkinson believes he should have earnt an England cap for his efforts last night and says it’s not easy defining the right to a cap.
“He’s played for England, he played 30 half an hour - there are people that have played for one minute or five minutes, have they really earnt that cap? But I also understand why people say he shouldn’t get a cap, I can’t argue with it. How do you define earning a cap?
“We will hopefully continue to honour fantastic players. You get honoured at a club for being their 10 years. The people that support that club think that’s the best thing ever.”