Russians will be wrong to write me off: Wayne Rooney

England striker Wayne Rooney has hit back at claims from the Russian media that he is not the player he used to be.

Paris: England striker Wayne Rooney has hit back at claims from the Russian media that he is not the player he used to be.

The 30-year-old, who is England’s all-time leading goalscorer, has played more of a midfield role this season for his club Manchester United.

Wayne Rooney

It was put to him by a Russian journalist in yesterday’s press conference that Saturday’s opening Euro 2016 opponents no longer fear Rooney.

But Rooney responded by saying: “Everyone who watches football is entitled to opinions.

“I know the qualities I have and I don’t need to sit here and defend myself. “I’m aware that my game has changed slightly over the years and in my opinion it has changed for the better, but the opinions that matter to me are those of my coaches.”

When asked what qualities he felt England needed for their tricky opener in Marseille, Rooney added: “I think resilience.”

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