"We'd mess around" - Wayne Rooney names Manchester City legend who used to annoy him in England camp

Former Manchester United attacker Wayne Rooney claimed that Manchester City legend Joe Hart used to annoy him a lot during international duty with England. He made the claim on BBC's Match of the Day broadcast while sitting next to Hart and and former Arsenal women's right-back Alex Scott.

Rooney and Hart appeared in 52 games together for the English national side from 2010 to 2017. The pair are known to be close to each other despite being on opposite sides of the Manchester rivalry.

The Red Devils legend, who was recently named the manager of Plymouth Argyle, claimed that the recently retired Celtic shotstopper was his most annoying teammate in the England squad.

Rooney said (via @BBCMOTD on X):

"I think when we were around the hotel, we'd [him and Hart] mess around, he used to stay in the bedroom next to me and was really annoying around there [laughs]. No, but as a group of young lads, its important that you have fun and relax around the camp as well."

Scott then asked the former Manchester City keeper:

"Why were you being annoying Joe?"

To which the 37-year-old replied:

"Can't help it! It's a long time away and you develop those relationships and you find stuff out about each other. Try to get the golf going, a bit of banter going. I think you've just got to understand each other. Everyone's different, you pick your moments. Obviously you don't want to get it wrong with him [Rooney]. If you do and he's in a good mood, we can play but other than that... [grimaces]"

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"They're like City, except without the timing" - Wayne Rooney draws interesting comparison between England and Manchester City

Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney drew an interesting comparison between the England national team and Premier League side Manchester City.

The Three Lions have struggled at EURO 2024, ekeing out a 1-0 win against Serbia (June 17) and blowing hot and cold in the 1-1 draw against Denmark (June 20).

Manager Gareth Southgate has come under fire from fans and media alike for his defensive system and reluctance to use attacking substitutions when necessary.

In that regard, Rooney drew an interesting analogy between Southgate's side and City in his column for The Times, writing (via SportBible):

"Watching England play at this tournament, I see Manchester City. But not the City who have just reeled off four consecutive Premier League titles with their brilliant football. They're like City, except without the timing. And without the pressing strategy. And the width."

Up next, England take on Slovenia on June 25 at Koln's RheinEnergieStadion, with a draw being enough to secure their progress into the knockout stages.