Wayne Rooney has confessed he wants to progress into management when his playing career ends.
The Manchester United and England captain marked his 100th international appearance with a goal in Saturday’s 3-1 Euro 2016 qualifier win against Slovenia at Wembley, his 44th for the Three Lions.
And the forward has stated his intent to become a manager upon his retirement.
“I would love to go into management,” said the 29-year-old. “It would be a big call, at this age, to say I wanted to be England manager one day.
“I would just want to get a job somewhere when I finish playing, hopefully, and see how it progresses from there.”
Rooney will once again lead England out on Tuesday night, in a no-love-lost clash with neighbours Scotland.
And he is certain that the pressure that comes with wearing the armband for both club and country would put him in good stead for a potential managerial career.
“Being captain of both Manchester United and England, there’s going to be pressure,” he added.
“Of course I understand that. You have to be ready for whatever is thrown at you.
“There’s pressure just from playing for Manchester United and England. But I feel that over the years I’ve matured as a person and as a footballer and I’m ready for that pressure, ready to deal with it.
“The friendly in Scotland on Tuesday will be more of a challenge, so this is where we need to stand up and get results.”
Louis van Gaal will be hoping that his international stars come through the next round of fixtures unscathed after Daley Blind suffered suspected knee ligament damage while playing for the Netherlands.
The Reds midfielder, who arrived at Old Trafford in a £17million deal from Ajax in the summer, limped off the field during the Netherland’s 6-0 demolition of Latvia on Sunday.
And Dutch manager Guus Hiddink later confirmed that Blind had picked up a serious knee injury, and faces several weeks out of action.
“I’m proud of my 25 games for the Dutch national team, but I’m so gutted with my injury,” Blind posted on his official Instagram account.
“I’ll stay positive and will come back stronger! Nevertheless a great win, 6-0!”
Blind’s injury has rounded off a costly batch of internationals so far for Van Gaal.
David De Gea dislocated a finger during a training session with Spain, while Michael Carrick withdrew from the England squad with a knock.
Main image courtesy of bwin via YouTube, with thanks.
