• England

Rooney wanted Redknapp over Hodgson for England

ESPN staff
October 10, 2013
Burley, Marcotti, Mariner and Hislop react to comments on Wednesday from Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has admitted Harry Redknapp was his first choice to succeed Fabio Capello as England boss.

Rooney gave Redknapp his support on Twitter before Roy Hodgson was ultimately unveiled by the FA in May 2012.

And the striker believes the decision has paid off, insisting he's never been more content in the England set-up.

He said: "I think at the time everyone thought Harry was going to get the job. The way it was made out it looked like he was nailed on.

"I remember tweeting about it and saying I hoped he'd get it because he was doing a tremendous job with Tottenham.

"But then Roy's popped up and the FA have gone with him, which I feel was the right decision. It's probably the most I've enjoyed working for any England manager.

"His man-management is really good and he's shown a lot of trust in me, on and off the pitch.

"The big difference is going from an Italian manager and coaching staff to an all-English manager and staff. That was needed. I feel Roy's going to take us to the World Cup."

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