Rooney to captain England against Scotland

Wayne Rooney will take the armband for England’s World Cup Qualifier against Scotland on Friday, Gareth Southgate has confirmed.

Dropped for club and country after a difficult start to the season, the Manchester United star is set to assume the captaincy from Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson in what will be seen as a bold move by the England manager.

Wayne Rooney will captain England to their 0-0 draw against Scotland.

— Coral (@Coral) November 10, 2016

The two nations enjoy a fierce rivalry but haven’t met in a competitive fixture since England’s Euro 2000 play-off win back in 1999.

They did, however, face off at Celtic Park two years ago, with Rooney scoring two in a comfortable 3-1 win for Roy Hodgson’s side.

Heading into Friday night’s match as group leaders and heavy favourites, the pressure will be on the Three Lions to perform in front of a sell-out Wembley crowd, but interim boss Southgate believes the experience of the returning Rooney could be the difference for his side.

“He’s in a better place than for the last get-together in terms of sharpness and confidence,” said Southgate.

“He’s an experienced player for a game like this and there is no hesitation to be playing him.

“He is playing well.  “He’s a player when in a rhythm of playing, it helps him.”