Wayne Rooney: 'England goal may rid me of headband'

Wayne Rooney has admitted that he may no longer have to wear his infamous headband after opening the scoring for England as they qualified for the 2014 World Cup.

The striker has been wearing the protective band for both Manchester United and the Three Lions for several weeks after requiring 10 stitches following a clash with Phil Jones in training, but scored with his head after the guard had fallen off during his country's 2-0 win over Poland at Wembley on Tuesday night.

The victory guarantees England a spot at Brazil as Group H winners, and Rooney is hoping for more good news before the weekend.

"I went for a header just before I scored and it got knocked off, and then I chased back, so I didn't have time to go and get it," Rooney revealed to the media.

"But it probably helped me in some ways that it was off when the ball came in, because I could direct it better.

"I think it is the first time I have headed the ball without it on, and hopefully, come the weekend, I won't have to wear it."

Rooney will feature for United on Saturday as they host Southampton in the Premier League.