Wayne Rooney’s start to life as Plymouth Argyle manager couldn’t have got off to a worse start.

Following mixed spells in charge of Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City, the Manchester United record goalscorer was appointed Plymouth boss in May.

The Pilgrims had a mixed pre-season under Rooney, beating Cheltenham 5-1 either side of a 2-2 draw with Orlando Pirates and a 2-1 loss to Bristol Rovers. However, optimism was still high that the 120-time England international could help further establish them as a Championship side.

But Rooney’s first competitive match in charge of Argyle ended in disaster with Sheffield Wednesday inflicting a 4-0 defeat.

Jamal Lowe opened the scoring in the 35th minute before a 52nd-minute own goal from Brendan Galloway left Plymouth with a mountain to climb. Late strikes from Josh Windass and Michael Smith finished the job at Hillsborough on Sunday.

The defeat understandably left Plymouth fans concerned about the campaign ahead, with some even predicting a swift exit for Rooney.

When Rooney does get the boot, what sane manger would actually want to take the job? #pafc

— argyletweets (@argyletweet) August 11, 2024

Rooney ‘angry’ at Plymouth performance

Rooney himself was left both furious and confused by his side’s performance and he didn’t mince his words when reflecting on the match.

“I’m disappointed, angry, surprised,” Rooney told BBC Radio Devon. “I think from everything we’ve seen from the players throughout pre-season today was a surprise to me.

“We knew it was important to try and get through the first 20 minutes and then try and get some composure and some calmness to the game, and we didn’t manage to do that.

“I think the basics of the game today was not good enough and for me that’s not acceptable.

“Whether that’s getting to the ball, tackling, being aggressive and staying with runners — we knew Sheffield Wednesday were one of the best teams in the league last season at crosses and cutbacks and it was four goals from crosses and cutbacks, which we worked a lot on throughout the week, so I’m really disappointed.”

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In what surely has to be one of the more bizarre potential sightings of a famous person, someone closely resembling Wayne Rooney was caught on live TV at the riots and disruption taking place in Plymouth City Centre.

The former Man United and England international is manager of local side, Plymouth Argyle, so armchair super sleuths may have thought that they were onto something.

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However, other social media posts which show a clearer picture seem to confirm that it isn’t Rooney, but a doppelganger.

No it isn’t him. I think he works for Sky as well pic.twitter.com/rKn1089DjC

— Joe Graham ?? (@J_Graham93) August 5, 2024

Pictures from Sky News

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Wayne Rooney has compared Spain’s talented left winger Nico Williams to one of the world’s best Cristiano Ronaldo.

After an incredibly impressive display so far in the European Championship, Luis de la Fuente’s young side prepare for their final showdown against England on Sunday night.

Unlike previous iterations of this Spanish team which featured mostly sustained passive possession, La Fuente’s side has been more direct and clinical.

The main reason for this is their two young stars on either flank, Athletico Bilbao’s Williams and Barcelona’s 16-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal.

As a result of his incredible performances not just at the Euro’s but during last season’s La Liga campaign where he grabbed 5 goals and 14 assists, Williams has attracted a lot of interest from Premier League sides.

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Arsenal and Chelsea have frequently been linked with the speedy attacker and according to the Athletic, he is Mikel Arteta’s preferred winger if he was to sign one in the summer window.

Speaking with The Times, Manchester United legend Rooney heaped praise on the 22-year-old, comparing his skillset to Ronaldo.

“Williams, for me, is exceptional. He reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo when Cristiano was young.” He said.

“He’s a big lad, he’ll take the ball and sometimes tries too much but usually makes the right decisions.”

Kyle Walker will have his hands full on Sunday night when Spain and England face off in a mouthwatering contest between the Manchester City defender and Williams who has already turned some veterans full-backs inside out.

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Wayne Rooney has taken a tongue-in-cheek swipe at Gary Neville in regard to his managerial career.

Rooney was recently appointed the new boss of Championship side Plymouth Argyle but will be under pressure to deliver following disappointing spells with Birmingham City and MLS side DC United.

The former Manchester United and Everton striker has outlined some ambitious aims for the Devon side, who he would like to guide to the Premier League.

“We need to be clever in how we work,” Rooney said (via BBC Sport).

“I’m not going to come out and say we’re going to be looking to get to the Premier League in a year’s time, we need to be realistic.

“What we’re trying to do is build on what the club has done over the last five years, which has been rising and getting better.

“I think we need to keep moving forward and keep trying to improve and certainly improve on last season.

“Hopefully at the end of a timeframe which we have in, we can get closer to that Premier League.”

Rooney has dig at Neville

Neville famously tried his hand at management post-retirement, taking charge of Spanish giants Valencia between December 2015 and March 2016 while also serving as an assistant coach with the England national team for four years.

But Neville suffered a torrid time at the Mestalla, winning just 10 of his 28 games across all competitions, with a 7-0 defeat to Barcelona in La Liga one of the lowest points in the club’s recent history.

Neville was sacked at the end of March and while his brother Phil — who worked alongside him at Los Che as an assistant — has gone on to manage the likes of England Women, Inter Miami and, now, the Portland Timbers — Gary has instead flourished as a pundit.

Rooney has, himself, worked as a pundit for the BBC during the European Championships in Germany this summer, but is desperate to avoid following the path of his former Manchester United and England teammate.

“I don’t want to become the next Gary Neville,” Rooney joked when asked why he took the Plymouth job.

“I have a desire, a passion with football and a love for football and I’ve always had that.

“The last few months have been very strange for me. Since January it’s been a real strange time being at home.

“I’ve done bits of TV work, but my real desire is to get back into management.”

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Leeds duo Charlie Cresswell and Darko Gyabi are set to follow Archie Gray out of the Elland Road exit door according to reports.

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The Whites are facing the prospect of losing a number of players this summer having failed to gain promotion back the Premier League last season after losing the play-off final to Southampton.

Gray, who had a breakthrough season for Leeds season making 52 appearances in all competitions is set complete a £40m move to Tottenham, with Joe Rodon going in the other direction in a separate transaction for a reported £10m.

Cresswell and Gyabi set to follow Gray out of Leeds

Cresswell was reportedly set to join French side Toulouse for a proposed £3.8m and was believed to have completed his medical on Sunday.

However, according to  BBC Sport the move could now be off after he failed to agree personal terms with the Ligue 1 outfit.

Cresswell struggled for minutes last season and only made seven appearances with just five of those coming in the Championship.

Football Insider report that youngster Gyabi could be set to rejoin Plymouth on loan having spent the second half of last season with the club.

The 20-year-old  joined Leeds from Manchester City in 2022 and made ten appearances for the Pilgrims as they beat the drop in the Championship.

If Gyabi does return to Plymouth he will have the chance to work under new manager Wayne Rooney.

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The talented youngster is out of contract with Leeds in 2026, but a season away playing regularly could see him have a role to play for the club in the 2025/2026 campaign.

Having lost Gray Leeds will be desperate to keep hold of the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Georginio Rutter this summer to ensure they stand the best chance of winning promotion back to the Premier League next season.

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BBC pundit Wayne Rooney believes Gareth Southgate needs to start Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon in England’s Round of 16 tie this Sunday as the Three Lions need to improve ahead of the crucial match.

England have been very poor so far in Germany as they limped through the group stage and somehow finished top of Group C with just one win. The Three Lions will need to improve ahead of their Round of 16 tie on Sunday and many pundits have been calling for changes.

One position that has been heavily scrutinised is the left wing, where Phil Foden has been starting out of position.

The Man City star has left the England camp to return home to deal with an emergency family matter and it remains uncertain if he will be back in time for England’s next game.

Should the midfielder fail to do so, Wayne Rooney wants to see Gordon start on the left and has been adamant about that from the beginning of the tournament.

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Wayne Rooney wants to see Anthony Gordon start for England in the Round of 16

When asked about what changes he wants to see in the England team following another poor performance against Slovenia on Tuesday, Rooney said on the BBC: “What I’ve been saying since the start of the tournament. I think Anthony Gordon needs to play on the left. I think Palmer after his performance when he came on [against Slovenia] maybe he can play.”

Gordon is coming off the back of a very good season with Newcastle and would offer England a direct threat which Foden does not provide.

When he returns to the Three Lions camp, the Man City star should then be used in the ten role, with these two minor changes having the potential to take England’s performances up another level.

What changes would you make for England's next game? ??

? @WayneRooney's given his verdict! #BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/dh6tZb4pCt

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 26, 2024

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Premier League legend Wayne Rooney has admitted he’s concerned about England’s defence ahead of Euro 2024, and highlighted the poor form of one player.

England start their campaign against Serbia on Sunday whilst games against Denmark and Slovenia follow to round out the group stage.

It’s been 58-years since the Three Lions last won a trophy, and they will be desperate to go one step further having lost on penalties to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.

Rooney worried about England defensively

England have one of the best squads in the tournament boasting the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, but the question remains over if they can put everything together.

Rooney, who is no stranger to the international stage having featured in six major tournaments for England admitted he was worried about the centre back pairing, adding he was shocked Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite was left out.

When asked by Gary Neville on The Overlap who he felt would partner John Stones he replied:

“I don’t know, I think just for form in the league I’d play Marc Guehi but I’d be worried.

“I’m so surprised Branthwaite is not there, obviously with Trippier being right-footed as well, I think Branthwaite would’ve given so much balance.

“He’s really good with his feet, went over to Holland on loan before coming back to Everton, he plays balls through the lines, he’s a big lad, aggressive.

“I was shocked, that’s probably the biggest shock, for me, that he weren’t in the squad with Harry being left out.”

Kieran Trippier will likely play at left back given Luke Shaw isn’t fit having not played since February, but Rooney believes the Newcastle star was poor last season.

“For me, he’s been really poor all season,” Rooney added.

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“He’s had injuries as well but he’s been poor, I thought the other night against Iceland he was poor again.

“He has to play but he hasn’t been playing well for Newcastle.”

England are fragile defensively and a lot of responsibility is going to lie on the shoulders of John Stones, but if he were to pick up an injury Gareth Southgate’s side would be in big trouble.

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Premier League legends Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney have hailed England star Bukayo Saka ahead of Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate and his squad arrived in Germany on Monday as they being their preparations for what they hope will be a first trophy in 58 years, as they aim to go one better having lost in the final of the last Euros to Italy on penalties.

England begin their campaign on Sunday against Serbia before games against Denmark and Slovenia to round out the group stage.

Henry and Rooney hail Saka

Saka had an impressive season for Arsenal as they came up short against Manchester City in the Premier League title race, and he scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.

The 22-year-old is expected to start on England’s right hand side, despite the emergence of Cole Palmer last season.

Arsenal legend Henry, who knows Saka well described what the England international has been doing as “outstanding.”

“I know Bukayo for a very long time, since the academy,” he told the Premier League.

“I don’t think anyone thought he was going to be what he became, there was a lot of hope, but what he has been doing is just outstanding!

“He’s so humble, the way he sees the game, defending well, attacking well, clever the way he holds the ball, now he’s adding goals and assists to his game.”

Rooney was also full praise for Saka, describing the England international as a “game changer,” whilst also heaping praise on his recent form for both club and country.

“It’s very rare you get a wide player running off the ball and running in behind, and I think his movement is fantastic,” Rooney said.

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“You imagine his position on the right for England is almost cemented in, he is a game-changer who can win games for you.

“He has been fantastic, especially the last couple of years.”

Saka will no doubt have a key role to play for England at the Euros and has been a mainstay in the side for the last two major tournaments, and if the Three Lions are going to stand a chance of winning his form will play a major role.

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Wayne Rooney believes England’s defence could cost them dearly at Euro 2024 this summer.

Gareth Southgate faces major headaches in defence with Harry Maguire missing the tournament through injury, while John Stones was also brought off as a precaution in their 1-0 defeat to Iceland on Friday evening.

• England 0-1 Iceland: Player ratings as Three Lions fall to worrying pre-Euro 2024 defeat

The match at Wembley was a disappointing way for the Three Lions to end their Euro 2024 warm-up schedule, with the squad now heading to Germany ahead of their group opener against Serbia a week on Sunday.

Should Stones not be fit enough to feature in Gelsenkirchen, that would leave Southgate with Marc Guehi, Joe Gomez, Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa as his only centre-back options, with just 36 caps between the four of them.

England managed just one shot on target against an Iceland side ranked 72nd in the world, while some defensive lapses allowed the visitors four shots on target, including Jon Thorsteinsson’s 12th-minute opener.

Rooney backs England but worries about defence

Speaking to Channel 4 after Friday’s defeat, former England striker Rooney was still bullish about their chances in Germany this summer, but conceded their backline could cost them.

“It’s a very exciting squad, they’ve certainly got the players and the firepower,” said Rooney.

“I hope the backline is strong, that’s my only concern. But I think we’ve got more than enough to go and take teams head on and if we do that we’ve got a great chance.”

Rooney also urged the England players to ‘learn’ from Friday’s defeat, especially when it comes to upping the tempo with the ball.

“England didn’t move the ball quickly enough from side to side to get players like Anthony Gordon one-v-one enough,” he added. “The result is not the most important thing tonight, it’s about players getting experience. They have to learn from tonight’s game.

The post Wayne Rooney believes England could fail at Euro 2024 for this reason appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley marked a dismal end to England’s Friendly matches ahead of Euro 2024.

This defeat, eerily reminiscent of past disappointments, might not bode well for the upcoming tournament. It was a loss that not only ended a frustrating campaign but also underlined the challenges facing Gareth Southgate as he prepares his team for their opening match against Serbia on June 16.

This match was a historic low, with England losing their final pre-tournament game for just the second time in their history, the first since 1954. The resulting boos from the Wembley crowd reflected a growing concern about the squad’s readiness.

Southgate, now heading into what many presume to be his last major tournament as England manager, must address significant gaps in his team.

The anticipation around Euro 2024 had positioned England as potential favourites, thanks to a squad that has grown in both talent and experience over the past eight years.

However, Southgate’s recent decisions have introduced uncertainty. By sidelining several seasoned stalwarts in favour of relatively untested players, he has gambled on youth and potential over proven reliability. This experimental approach was evident in the lineup against Iceland, which included eight players likely to start against Serbia but struggled to show cohesion and effectiveness.

Wayne Rooney believes England miss a leader like Harry Maguire

Wayne Rooney, a veteran of many international campaigns, was quick to highlight the absence of key players like Harry Maguire, whose leadership and defensive prowess were sorely missed on Friday and will likely be missed during the tournament itself.

Rooney believes tonight showed how much England will miss Maguire in Germany ????????#ThreeLions | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/6n09NPuBGJ

— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) June 7, 2024

England’s recent form is a huge worry going into Euro 2024

England’s recent form does little to inspire confidence. In their last five matches, they have managed just one win, alongside two losses and two draws. This slump includes three consecutive games without a victory at Wembley, a worrying trend not seen since 2018. These results starkly contrast with Southgate’s optimistic comments about the squad’s vibrancy and potential.

The match against Iceland laid bare the team’s deficiencies. The attack was lackluster, failing to create meaningful chances or exert sustained pressure on the opposition, registering just one shot on target all game. The defence, meanwhile, appeared vulnerable and disorganised, easily penetrable and lacking the protective midfield shield that could prevent counter-attacks.

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