Former Manchester Everton manager David Moyes says that he expects Wayne Rooney to be a success as the new captain of the England national team. After the retirement of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in successive weeks, England manager Roy Hodgson decided to appoint Rooney as the new captain of the national team. The 28-year-old, however, has divided opinions when it comes to his ability as an international footballer. Despite scoring a goal every other game for Manchester United, Rooney has struggled to replicate his success especially in big tournaments. During the World Cup 2014, the striker scored only his first goal at the World Cup in nine attempts.
Rooney has also received the captain’s armband at Manchester United after the departure of Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, and Nemanja Vidic all in one summer. Moyes, who is currently out of work after leaving United last season, has worked with Rooney at two clubs and he is someone who knows the striker extremely well. Roy Hodgson has players like Joe Hart and Gary Cahill who play in the defence and offer a more traditional option for the captain’s armband, but Moyes believes that the experience of Rooney when it comes to winning major titles will be a major boost.
“It is a terrific time for Wayne professionally and he is ready for it. At this time in his career, I am sure he wants to take on that extra responsibility the captaincies bring. It could make him an even better player. He wants to show that development, he has proved he is a top player, now he will want to show he can take on the responsibility and be a top captain. He may be taking the armbands at a difficult time, everyone knows Manchester United are going through a transitional period,” said Moyes.