While big changes are set to sweep the England football team following their embarrassing defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016, Wayne Rooney has vowed not to retire from the international game.
Despite being overwhelming favourites in their first knockout round tie on Monday, the Three Lions lost 2-1 to a nation with a population of just over 300,000.
Rooney, England’s all-time top scorer with 53 goals, gave them the lead with an early penalty but was one of the players to receive most of the criticism. The skipper, however, remained defiant.
“As I said before the tournament, it is an honour to play for England,” he said to the press. “Whoever the next coach is, I’ll make my self available if chosen.”
There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the youthfulness in the squad – at 30, Rooney is a senior member – and he admits disappointment at the shock result.
“It is a real shame,” he continued. “We’re disappointed and we know it’s all our fault.”
Speculation as to who will replace Hodgson has already begun, with under-21 boss Gareth Southgate, Bournemouth coach Eddie Howe and Crystal Palace’s Alan Pardew among the favourites.
