London: Wayne Rooney has been named England captain, taking over the leadership role of an inexperienced team in a rebuilding phase following their worst-ever World Cup.
England coach Roy Hodgson confirmed the Manchester United player's appointment - from a small pool of potential captains - while naming the squad for England's first European Championship qualifier against Switzerland on Sept. 8 and a friendly against Norway on Wednesday.
Defenders Calum Chambers and Danny Rose, and midfielders Jack Colback and Fabian Delph were called up for the first time.
Rooney has been handed the symbolically-prestigious captaincy role following Steven Gerrard's international retirement.
The new leader of English football team expressed his happiness over his appointment.
Being named England captain is a dream and something I'll take great pride in doing. My exclusive interview is here – http://t.co/RwqO59k0vT
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) August 28, 2014England coach Roy Hodgson stated that Rooney's captaincy at Man Utd played a part in his decision to name Rooney as the captain of English football team.Roy: Wayne Rooney deserves England armband - his commitment to the cause, his captaincy at Man Utd all played a part in my decision
— England (@england) August 28, 2014
