Despite scoring the only goal in the friendly against Norway on Wednesday night, the England captain’s performance in an advanced role brought him widespread criticism.

In his first appearance since receiving the captain’s armband full time, Wayne Rooney’s penalty gave England a 1-0 win over Norway.

England captain Wayne Rooney’s penalty gave The Three Lions a 1-0 win against Norway in front of a sparse Wembley attendance of just 40,181.

Pennell was one of the success stories of last season in the Aviva Premiership, enjoying a memorable campaign despite Worcester’s relegation, before also winning his first international cap for England in New Zealand in the summer.

Wayne Rooney hopes to end England’s half century of failure and captain the Three Lions to some elusive silverware.

After yet another disappointing, disheartening and disillusioned World Cup campaign, the international frendlies are back – and so could be the empty seats of Wembley Stadium.

With Rooney’s elevation to England captain his Manchester United appointment, the 28-year-old is arguably achieving greatness before our eyes though all he ever seems to get is criticism.

England boss Roy Hodgson yesterday joined Louis van Gaal in telling the 19-year-old Shaw – after his selection for the World Cup and move to Manchester United – how hard he will have to work to get fit and stay in peak condition.

Manchester United have accepted an £8million bid for youth product Tom Cleverley from Aston Villa – and Red Devils fans have hit Twitter to see him off.

Roy Hodgson named the 28-year-old England skipper on Thursday ahead of their friendly against Norway next Wednesday, as the team prepares for a long Euro 2016 qualifying campaign that begins in Basel against Switzerland on September 8.

Group 6 pacesetters England play Wales tonight in their penultimate qualifier having already racked up 24 points, and with eight wins out of eight the Lionesses are in a strong position to progress.