The milestones on Rooney’s road to 100

When England captain Wayne Rooney stepped out on to the field to face Slovenia at Wembley Stadium, he became the ninth player to bare the Three Lions crest on his chest for the 100th time.

In doing so, the 29-year-old Rooney also became the youngest Englishman ever to reach triple figures, eclipsing FIFA World Cup™-winning captain Bobby Moore’s previous record by two years and ten months.

 

Ever since making his debut more than 11 years ago as a fresh-faced Everton academy graduate at the age of just 17, Rooney has been a key element of the England forward line and a constant talking point. To mark this huge moment in his international career, FIFA.com has looked back over what was being said about the Manchester United front man when he achieved his most memorable milestones in white.

12February 2003, England 1-3 Australia (International friendly)

“Wayne’s only 17 but Pele was 17 when he won the World Cup in 1958 in Sweden and he scored twice in the final. Everyone that I’ve talked to says he’s a special talent, so why not look at him in a friendly game.”

Sven Goran Eriksson, then England coach, compares Rooney to O Rei ahead of the youngster’s debut against Australia in a 2003 friendly match. Rooney became England’s youngest player that day, beating a 123-year-old record.

6September 2003, Macedonia 1-2 England (UEFA EURO 2004 qualifying)

“Everyone knows what Wayne can do, he’s a great player. He’s got great family and friends, and a good club behind him. He’s capable of being a great center forward, even at his age.”

David Beckham, then England captain, describes the support network around Rooney after he became England’s youngest ever goal scorer, aged 17 years, 317 days, breaking Michael Owen’s record.

17June 2004, England 3-0 Switzerland (UEFA EURO 2004)

“Rooney was the star of the show. He makes things happen and has the ability to turn games for England. I didn’t want to tempt fate, but I did say before the tournament that he could be star of it, not just for England but the whole of Euro 2004. He is the type of player who is flamboyant and plays off the cuff.”

Terry Butcher, former England captain, after Rooney scored twice against the Swiss in his second game at a major international tournament. He became the youngest goal scorer in the history of the European Championships.

 

14November 2009, Brazil 1-0 England (International friendly)

“He is ready to be a captain. When you choose who is to be captain you look at who is a leader in the dressing room or who is a leader on the pitch. For me that’s really important. Rooney is always a leader on the pitch.”

Fabio Capello, then England manager, as Rooney captained his country for the first time.

19June 2014, Uruguay 2-1 England (2014 FIFA World Cup)

“The memory of the goal will always be tainted because we lost the game and went out of the tournament. The team is much bigger than Wayne Rooney. Obviously we are all hurting.”

Wayne Rooney himself, speaking after scoring his first goal at a World Cup finals, on his tenth appearance.

3September 2014, England 1-0 Norway (International friendly)

“Wayne is an obvious choice for his honesty, commitment to the cause, his experience, the fact he has already captained England in the past. I’m pleased to be able to say I’ve been able to offer it to him. I had a long conversation with him and he’s prepared to accept the pressures the England captaincy brings.”

Roy Hodgson, England manager ahead of Rooney’s first game as full England captain. The Three Lions No10 scored a penalty to see off the Norwegians.

15November 2014, England – Slovenia (UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier)

“Sometimes it’s not until later on that people get the credit they deserve. Wayne has been at the forefront of everything England have done since his involvement in the squads, and has carried a lot of pressure. Everyone will look back when he’s finished and has broken all the records and will acknowledge he has been one of the all-time greats for England. He doesn’t seem to change.”

Fellow Liverpudlian Leighton Baines on Rooney’s achievement, ahead of the Manchester United man becoming the ninth player to reach 100 games for England.

M.D