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Rooney to captain England against San Marino

ESPN staff
October 11, 2012

Wayne Rooney will wear the captain's armband for England's World Cup qualifier against San Marino on Friday.

Rooney, 26, has never previously skippered his country in a competitive international but will take the armband for the Wembley clash against the European minnows.

The Manchester United forward, who is likely to take a place in midfield because of the absences of Frank Lampard and regular captain Steven Gerrard through injury and suspension respectively, was delighted to be given the responsibility by England boss Roy Hodgson.

"It's a great honour and something I am really proud of," Rooney said. "I'm excited and I hope we can cap the day off with a victory.

"To be captain is a great honour, something I'm really proud of. It's fantastic. There will be 90,000 fans at Wembley; we hope to put on a show for them."

Rooney could climb to joint-sixth on the list of all-time England goalscorers if he finds the net against San Marino and more than one goal would move him above Alan Shearer, Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney - who are all currently one ahead of the former Everton star on 30.

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