Rooney says sorry

Wayne Rooney has apologised to England's interim manager Gareth Southgate after images emerged of him on international duty which were "inappropriate for someone in his position", a statement issued on the striker's behalf said on Wednesday.

The England captain was pictured in the Sun newspaper looking worse for wear having dropped in on a wedding party over the weekend following Friday's victory over Scotland at Wembley.

"Naturally Wayne is sorry that pictures taken with fans have been published today," the statement said.

"Although it was a day off for the whole squad and staff, he fully recognises that the images are inappropriate for someone in his position.

"Earlier today Wayne spoke privately to both Gareth Southgate and (FA technical director) Dan Ashworth to unreservedly apologise. He would like to further extend that apology to any young fans who have seen these pictures."

Manchester United forward Rooney had started England's 3-0 victory over Scotland, but withdrew from the squad ahead of Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Spain due to a minor knee injury.

The English Football Association have said they will now review what players are allowed to do in their free time.

"All England personnel have a responsibility to behave appropriately at all times. We will be reviewing our policy around free time whilst on international duty," the FA said in a statement.

A report on Sky Sports said that Rooney's club manager, Jose Mourinho, was angry that the forward had been with members of England's backroom staff into the early hours of Sunday.

The report added that Rooney, who has endured a difficult season and found himself on the bench for both club and country, will be assessed by United's medical staff ahead of Saturday's Premier League home game against Arsenal.

What they say

England personnel have a responsibility to behave appropriately at all times. We will be reviewing our policy around free time while on international duty.

-ENGLISH FA

I feel sorry for the players. We live on the sunny side of life, but in the end maybe it is a surprise there is a human being behind the kid. This generation is the most professional generation of footballers we have ever had - not only in England. All the legends you admire, they drank like devils and smoked like crazy and were still good players. Nobody does that any more. I've no idea where Wayne was but I'm pretty sure it was not that serious.

- JURGEN KLOPP

Of course (it's less of a problem than it used to be). My advice to players is to follow the advice of their managers and coaches. Overall it is part of youth to make mistakes and, after that, analyse well. All the big players make mistakes, but they address it in a positive way.

- ARSENE WENGER