Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney made an honest admission about one Euro 2024 nation after confirming his exit as a BBC Sport pundit.
Wayne Rooney made his return to management last month after he was appointed the head coach of Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
The 38-year-old former Manchester United striker had previously been out of the dugout after his ill-fated spell with Birmingham City came to an end in January.
Rooney had been taking part in punditry during his time away from the dugout, including appearing on Sky Sports and TNT Sports last season.
He was also part of BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2023-24 season and provided analysis for United’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the fifth round.
Rooney, who became a regular on The Overlap’s Stick to Football, had been drafted into BBC Sport’s punditry line-up for the broadcaster’s coverage of Euro 2024.
Rooney talks Euro 2024 and England
Wayne Rooney made his last appearance on BBC as a pundit for Euro 2024 on Wednesday as part of Belgium’s 0-0 draw against Ukraine.
The former Manchester United captain had signed up for his role at the BBC before he resumed his career in management with Plymouth Argyle.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily Podcast, Rooney opened up about his time as a BBC pundit and his feelings about covering England at Euro 2024.
The United legend admitted that he was disappointed by the lack of England matches he had the chance to talk about during this summer’s Euros.
Rooney was overlooked for England’s Group C matches involving Serbia and Denmark during his time as a BBC Sport pundit.
Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, Micah Richards and Rooney’s former United teammate Rio Ferdinand were alongside Gary Lineker for BBC’s coverage.
“Yeah, it’s been okay,” Rooney said.
“Obviously, it’s different and new to what I’ve been used to. I’ve done TV in the past but [I’ve] spent quite a bit of time here, so yeah, it’s been a bit different but I’ve enjoyed it.
“Unfortunately, I haven’t had any of the England games to talk about really and the games I’ve done haven’t been the greatest but it’s nice to spend some time here.”
Man Utd legend Rooney on management return
Rooney will now prepare for Plymouth’s pre-season in July ahead of their opening Championship match against Sheffield Wednesday on 11th August.
“Obviously, a lot of the tournaments over the last 20 years I’ve been involved in as a player and now being on the other side and seeing the perspective from a pundit’s point of view,” he said.
“We’ve seen the back and forward between the England camp and the pundits, so it’s a bit strange.
“But I think everything that’s been said has been right really and the players and the manager have come out and all said the same things.
“So, it’s a bit strange. You always want to try and be careful but also want to be truthful with the words you give.”