Wayne Rooney New England Captain: Three Lions' 22 Post-War Skippers

Rooney Becomes The 22nd Post-War England Captain
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: Wayne Rooney of England adjusts his captain's armband during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Group H qualifying match between England and San Marino at Wembley Stadium on October 12, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: Wayne Rooney of England adjusts his captain's armband during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Group H qualifying match between England and San Marino at Wembley Stadium on October 12, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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Wayne Rooney will become the 22nd full-time England captain when he leads the side out at Wembley against Norway next Wednesday.

Already the Three Lions captaincy has changed six times this century after Alan Shearer ended his stewardship at Euro 2000, David Beckham's six ambivalent years, John Terry's two controversial stints, Rio Ferdinand's spell and Steven Gerrard's last hurrah at two tournaments.

Rooney's appointment comes two weeks after he succeeded Nemanja Vidić as Manchester United captain, completing a remarkable turnaround for the 28-year-old.

Although he inked a five-year contract in February, Rooney's United future was in doubt this time last year and his role in the England team was questioned at the World Cup.

George Hardwick, 1946-48

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