Thaindian News

London, Mar 2 (ANI): Ace striker Wayne Rooney has urged England fans not to boo former captain John Terry at Wembley tomorrow.

Terry faces Egypt after getting stripped of the captaincy when the Bridgegate affair.

Rooney said: “I hope they don’t boo John because I have played for England when some of our own players have been booed.

“It is not nice for the whole team, not just the player who’s been booed,” The Sun quoted Rooney, as saying.

Chelsea stars Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole have been booed at Wembley in the past and there are fears Terry will be next in the firing line.

“When the home fans boo the home players it doesn’t send the right message. Leading up to a World Cup you want the fans behind you and giving you their whole support. I think that will be really important so I hope he gets a good reception,” Rooney said.

“Of course we are happy to have John around. He is a great player and, if we are going to win the World Cup, then we need John Terry. He is a big player for us,” he said.

Steven Gerrard will skipper England tomorrow night, but Rooney added: “John Terry is a leader for our team. Although he hasn’t got the armband he is still a great player and a great leader. It has been no different since we have met up.

“He has been named in the World XI for the last three years and there are no worries about his form - that is for sure. I don’t think what has gone on will affect us. The players are professional enough to do a job on the pitch and that is the main thing.” (ANI)