Wayne Rooney is unfazed by criticism of his form ahead of the World Cup after proving a point with a goal in England's 2-2 draw against Ecuador in Miami.
The Manchester United star operated in a left-sided attacking role with Rickie Lambert, the other scorer, at centre-forward in Roy Hodgson's latest line-up. In the wake of a puzzling debate about whether England's leading marksman in qualifying should retain his place for the Group D opener in Brazil against Italy, the 28-year-old punched the air to celebrate equalising Enner Valencia's header in the first half.
Some may have felt it was a passionate response to the negative press but Rooney was adamant afterwards that he does not pay any attention to the constant talk surrounding his form and fitness. With the start of the tournament only a week away, the United no.10 is focused on being ready for the big kick-off.
"I am not really interested," he told reporters. "A lot of people have their opinions but I listen to the people around me and in the coaching set-up. I don’t listen to people outside of the set-up really so anyone, [including] journalists, can say what they want. I have got no interest in listening to them.
"I enjoy playing for my country – whether it is left wing, right wing, midfield or up front. I am always proud to play for England and that won't change, no matter where I am on the pitch. It is down to the manager to pick where he plays me and I am happy to play anywhere."
Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia has apologised for his reaction to a dangerous tackle by Raheem Sterling that saw both players shown red cards with 12 minutes left of the Sun Life Stadium friendly encounter.
"I am sorry for the fight with Sterling," stated the Ecuador captain. "I apologised to the team after the match and the coach.
"When he tackled me, I thought about Segundo Castillo [who was hurt against Mexico recently]. He nearly missed the World Cup because of injury and I feared I would too. Thankfully, I am okay."
The dismissal will not result in a suspension during the finals so Valencia is free to lead his country into Group E combat with Switzerland, France and England's third and last warm-up opponents Honduras.
Wayne Rooney is unfazed by criticism of his form ahead of the World Cup after proving a point with a goal in England's 2-2 draw against Ecuador in Miami.
The Manchester United star operated in a left-sided attacking role with Rickie Lambert, the other scorer, at centre-forward in Roy Hodgson's latest line-up. In the wake of a puzzling debate about whether England's leading marksman in qualifying should retain his place for the Group D opener in Brazil against Italy, the 28-year-old punched the air to celebrate equalising Enner Valencia's header in the first half.
Some may have felt it was a passionate response to the negative press but Rooney was adamant afterwards that he does not pay any attention to the constant talk surrounding his form and fitness. With the start of the tournament only a week away, the United no.10 is focused on being ready for the big kick-off.
"I am not really interested," he told reporters. "A lot of people have their opinions but I listen to the people around me and in the coaching set-up. I don’t listen to people outside of the set-up really so anyone, [including] journalists, can say what they want. I have got no interest in listening to them.
"I enjoy playing for my country – whether it is left wing, right wing, midfield or up front. I am always proud to play for England and that won't change, no matter where I am on the pitch. It is down to the manager to pick where he plays me and I am happy to play anywhere."
Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia has apologised for his reaction to a dangerous tackle by Raheem Sterling that saw both players shown red cards with 12 minutes left of the Sun Life Stadium friendly encounter.
"I am sorry for the fight with Sterling," stated the Ecuador captain. "I apologised to the team after the match and the coach.
"When he tackled me, I thought about Segundo Castillo [who was hurt against Mexico recently]. He nearly missed the World Cup because of injury and I feared I would too. Thankfully, I am okay."
The dismissal will not result in a suspension during the finals so Valencia is free to lead his country into Group E combat with Switzerland, France and England's third and last warm-up opponents Honduras.
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