Peter Shilton mocks Wayne Rooney over Iceland loss after ex-England captain blasts former players for being ‘jealous’ of Gareth Southgate’s team
Shilton, who holds the record for the most England appearances, took to Twitter to hit back at Rooney's claims
PETER SHILTON has hit back at ex-England captain Wayne Rooney’s suggestion that former players are “jealous” of Gareth Southgate’s team.
Rooney made his 120th and final cap for the Three Lions in a 3-0 win over the USA on Thursday.
The nation’s record scorer has promised he will never join the ranks of bitter former England stars who resent their international successors.
And he insists he will always be cheering England to greatness — even if it puts his own achievements in the shade.
Rooney claimed: “I know some ex-players I’ve spoken to who can’t come to terms with England doing well.
“But that is wrong and I am not like that. I’m a fan now. I want England to do well.
“I’m not jealous of the new players. I’ve had my time and I’m happy with what I’ve contributed.
“I will always be proud to have played so many times for England but now I’m looking forward to the next few years and watching this team progress.
“There is a great opportunity for this group to make the next step and I’m excited for all of them.”
Shilton, who holds the record for the most England appearances with 125, took to Twitter on Sunday morning to take aim at the DC United man for his comments.
The legendary goalkeeper had previously slammed the decision to recall Rooney to the national fold for a one-off game against the USA.
He posted on Twitter: “Wayne Rooney comments this morning I can’t believe there are ex-players who don’t want @England to do well!!
“Also that Wayne is so influential not when he was captain against Iceland sorry don’t go along with the further hype!!"
The ex-Manchester United striker’s tenure as skipper will forever be itched with the memory of one of the most humiliating defeats in England’s history when they were dumped out of Euro 2016 by Iceland.
However, the 33-year-old remains content with what he achieved with the national team, and says he will never forget his final appearance in a Three Lions shirt.
Over 68,000 fans gave him a standing ovation at Wembley as he came on as a sub in the comfortable friendly win over the Americans.
He added: “I wouldn’t say I regret never winning a trophy with England but the main thing is I can look back and say to myself that I gave everything.
“Sometimes that still isn’t enough and it didn’t always work out and pay off in terms of trophies.
“It was a nice send-off and a great way to say ‘thank you’ to the fans.
“It was a proud moment for me and my family and something that I’ll remember for a very long time.”
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