The former England striker is a throwback to the ITV Digital age but can still caress a football like few have in this countryGive me the ball, he says. He doesn’t need to say the words. There’s an opening of the hips, a broadening of the chest, like a bird unfurling its plumage, that makes it clear exactly what is wanted, and who wants it. There’s a little glance over the shoulder to make sure he’s in as much space as he thinks he is. Now the eyes widen, the arms spread. Give me the ball, he says again with his body. And Max Lowe gives him the ball.Then again, as anyone who has had to sit through one of...
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Faye Carruthers to discuss Premier League comings and goings, Wayne Rooney, Gibraltar’s rise, Ryan Giggs, Samir Nasri and forgetful refereesJoin the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and email.We look back at the last few days of football news, starting with the first Premier League managerial change of the season, Slavisa Jokanovic, who has been let go by Fulham and replaced by Claudio Ranieri. Continue reading...
Expect economic sanctions and expelled diplomats once the American public wise up to what Wayne Rooney’s one-night-only appearance against USA really meansWhat a fascinating entry to international politics for the Football Association, who clearly anticipated the failure of a “red wave” to materialise in the US midterms and had their condemnatory response already prepared. In a move widely seen as the first salvo in a transatlantic cold war that will destroy the imaginary “special relationship”, Wayne Rooney (retired) has been called up for England’s friendly against the USA.The decision to play Rooney can only – only! – be read as a fantastically pointed insult to the Americans, who may not have qualified for the last World Cup but against whom...
The former Everton and Manchester United striker is joining DC United with Everton’s blessing and encouragementWayne Rooney, without the fanfare that greeted his arrival as the most gifted English player in a generation or the acrimony of his first Everton exit, has brought his 16-year Premier League career to a close. Even so, and even with all eyes on Gareth Southgate’s new breed in Russia, it is a career that does not slip away unheralded.Rooney, with Everton’s blessing and encouragement, flew on Thursday to Washington to finalise a three-and-a-half-year contract with DC United. The deal will be formally completed when the MLS transfer window opens on 10 July – Everton will not receive a fee – and the 32-year-old is...
Eyebrows were raised when Rooney agreed to appear on Monday Night Football but his impressive display showed that he, and footballers in general, are brighter than many suggestIn fairness to Frank Lampard, he called it ages ago. A little over seven years, in fact, and during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live in November 2010. Asked about Wayne Rooney, then still a Manchester United forward, Lampard, then still a Chelsea midfielder, said: “People who call him thick – it’s a lazy thing to say. They look at him, the fact he is a footballer and looks tough, and make a judgment without trying to find out what he is really like. How can you call someone thick who you...