Cleverley backs Rooney as England captian

14:53, 15 October 2012

LONDON. October 15. KAZINFORM Tom Cleverley believes Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney can emerge as England's long-term captain.

Rooney scored twice in England's 5-0 win over San Marino on Friday after being given the armband in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, BBC informed.

Gerrard, back from a ban, will assume the role against Poland on Tuesday, but Cleverley said: "Wayne has got all the attributes to be a top-class captain.

"He is a leader, a winner and I like playing underneath him as a captain."

Manager Roy Hodgson was delighted with Rooney's leadership against San Marino and sees the 26-year-old striker, who is now England's fifth-highest goalscorer, as a contender to lead the team on a more permanent basis in the future.

Cleverley appreciates Rooney's qualities at both domestic and international level and said: "Wayne was quite vocal in the dressing-room before [the San Marino game]. He was chipping in with points for the team, to improve the team.

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