Wayne Rooney: Why He May Never Be Considered England’s Greatest-Ever Player

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: November 19, 2014

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It was inevitable the moment the game ended. Wayne Rooney’s brace against historic rivals Scotland in their own backyard put him just three goals behind Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time England goal-scoring record.

And just like that, the greatest-of-all-time (GOAT) debate had been reopened.

There is no doubting Rooney will overtake Charlton some time next year. At 101 England appearances after Tuesday’s friendly, the 29-year-old is also likely to break Peter Shilton’s 125-cap record before the next World Cup in 2018.

But even when—rather than if—he does hold both records, will Wayne Rooney be considered the greatest-ever footballer to play for England?

Probably not.



Almost 12 years ago, when the 17-year-old Rooney became England’s youngest-ever player, the future looked bright.

The following summer, he became the youngest scorer in the European Championships when he slammed a double against Switzerland. He scored two more against Croatia in the same tournament and was named in UEFA’s team of the tournament.

Even though England exited the tournament in the quarter-finals, the football world was Rooney’s oyster.

However, in spite of going on to score 46 goals in 101 England appearances in the 12 years that followed, Rooney’s international career has been headlined by disciplinary charges, off-field controversies, injuries and the overall mediocrity of the England team.

His critics also argue that out of Rooney’s 46 goals for England, how many of them really mattered?

How many were scored in the World Cup, after playing in three editions? Just one. How many World Cups has he won for England? None.  

Even though he has matured well from the hot-blooded youngster who stamped on Ricardo Carvalho in the 2006 World Cup and kicked out at Miodrag Dzudovic in the Eur...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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