England captain Wayne Rooney’s conduct at the squad’s hotel has led the Football Association to review its policy regarding players’ free time and issue a warning Wednesday regarding “appropriate” behaviour.
Rooney started England’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over arch-rivals Scotland at Wembley on Friday, a match in which he suffered a knee injury that ruled him out of Tuesday’s 2-2 friendly draw at home to Spain.
But in between those matches British tabloid The Sun alleged Rooney drunkenly gatecrashed a wedding at England’s hotel in Watford, north of London, on Saturday.
An FA spokesperson said Wednesday: “All England personnel have a responsibility to behave appropriately at all times. We will be reviewing our policy around free time whilst on international duty.”
The Sun said Manchester United star Rooney, 31, had been drinking and published a photograph of him looking the worse for wear.
But a spokesman for the forward insisted Rooney had done nothing wrong.
“Rather than going out, he chose to stay at the team hotel to relax and celebrate a fine England victory against Scotland.
“During the course of the evening he was approached by numerous fellow guests for autographs and pictures.
“As he has always been, Wayne was happy to sign, pose for photos and chat with guests.
“It is sad that one or two of them have now sought to turn Wayne’s friendly good nature to their advantage.”
Following the Spain match, interim England manager Gareth Southgate was adamant that Rooney had not been left out as any kind of disciplinary measure.
“Wayne picked up an injury in the game (against Scotland) on Friday,” said Southgate. “He couldn’t train on Sunday and that’s it.”
