After scoring five goals in the eight matches he played for England in 2008, Wayne Rooney has been voted for by fans as England’s Player of the Year. Steven Gerrard won the award last season, with Owen Hargreaves claiming it the year before, mainly thanks to his performances for England in the World Cup.

“I am absolutely delighted to win this award, especially as it has been voted for by the England fans,” said Rooney. “Having said that, it would not have been possible without the help and support of my England team-mates, Fabio Capello and his coaching staff. It’s an amazing feeling, playing for your country. So to be voted player of the year is a great feeling and I’d like to thank all the fans who voted for me. Since the manager came in the routine has changed and the team has started playing a lot better football. The main aim was to get the wins in those qualifying games and we did that, and thankfully I was able to score some goals as well. So overall I think 2008 was a good year for England.”

Well done lad.