England players bristle as Wayne’s world again dominates agenda

When England left the pitch in Manaus on Saturday night, Wayne Rooney could have been forgiven for asking Mario Balotelli, whose goal had just sunk England, whether he could borrow the Italian’s vest that famously stated: "Why always me?"

Because here we go again. Another big tournament and only one man from the England ranks is dominating discussions. Not Raheem Sterling, who sparkled in Manaus, nor Daniel Sturridge, whose Mum told him to “Mash it up, son.”

No, it is all about Rooney. Again. His history of being England’s main talking point goes back 10 years to 2004 when he was, like Sterling, the exciting new kid in town until a broken metatarsal put paid to his, and England’s, Euro campaign.