England have been knocked out of the World Cup after just two games, their earliest exit from the competition ever.

Following Steve Gerrard assisting Luis Suarez towards the end of England’s 2-1 defeat against Uruguay (he’s done it again, he’s done it agaaaaain), they were left to rely on Costa Rica to lose to Italy. They won though, confirming England’s World Cup was over.

Still despite scoring one of England’s two goals, and assisting the other, Rooney has taken some stick.

Robin van Persie argues that criticism is unfair though and that Rooney isn’t to blame for England’s failings.

“Wayne is a great player. I came to Manchester United to play with him and I’ve never regretted that move,” he said. “By training and playing with him, he’s shown me that he is a world class player. He was under a lot of pressure but he has been since he made his debut. If you look at his performances he’s been very good. He played as a left winger [against Italy] and made the assist [for Daniel Sturridge’s goal]. Against Uruguay I think he did well again. I don’t think you can blame him for scoring one goal, working his socks off and missing three chances by inches because they were just inches and I don’t think it’s him to blame. He gave his all for his country like he always does. He’s a great player and a great goalscorer so I don’t think it’s fair to criticise him that much.”




------------
The RoM Manchester United 2024-25 season preview is now available. It includes articles from the country's best football writers about our expectations for the season ahead and our brightest talents, as well as proposed transfer business and which youth players to keep an eye out for. All profit goes to The Christie so please support this fantastic cause.