Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has shared a funny but telling story about his early England days, explaining how a Liverpool legend’s picture in his room at St George’s Park left him “fuming” — and how he made staff change it.
Wayne Rooney has lifted the lid on a light-hearted but symbolic moment from his early England career, admitting that a Liverpool legend’s presence in his room at St George’s Park left him furious.
The former Manchester United striker, who made his senior England debut in 2003 while still at Everton, quickly established himself as one of the Three Lions’ biggest stars. But even at the start of his international journey, he showed the leadership and stubborn streak that would later define his career.
The Liverpool connection that sparked Rooney’s anger
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the ex-England captain recalled the day he walked into his assigned room at the national team’s training base — only to find a large picture of Kevin Keegan, a Liverpool icon, hanging on the wall.
“We’d always have the same room,” Rooney explained. “When I first went in, they had a picture of an ex-England legend up in your room. I walked in and it was Kevin Keegan, so I was fuming. There was no way I was going to bed every night with an ex-Liverpool legend picture on my wall. So I made them take it down.”
The staff obliged, but Rooney was surprised when he returned later: “They took it down anyway and when I went back to my room, they’d put one up of myself!”
Rooney’s standards in the England camp
The incident might seem trivial, but it underlined Rooney’s mentality. He was never one to allow distractions — even on the walls of his room — to interfere with his focus. That determination carried through his career, both for Manchester United and for England, where he became a record-breaker.
A legend in his own right
Rooney went on to earn 120 caps for the Three Lions across 15 years, placing him second on England’s all-time appearance list. His 53 international goals also stood as a national record until Harry Kane surpassed him.
Looking at England today
Rooney now watches from the sidelines as England attempt to navigate a difficult qualifying campaign under Thomas Tuchel. Questions remain over whether Tuchel’s cautious tactics can deliver the kind of success England has long craved, with a trip to Serbia next on the schedule.
For Rooney, though, memories like the Keegan picture incident serve as reminders of the pride — and rivalry — that shaped his England journey.
