Wayne Rooney's camp have defended the England and Manchester United captain after he was pictured looking bleary-eyed while celebrating his nation's victory over Scotland.
An image of the 31-year-old appearing drunk was published by The Sun, who claimed that the footballer was up until 5am drinking at a private wedding party following England's 3-0 win over Scotland last Friday.
Rooney was sent home prior to the Three Lions' 2-2 with Spain on Tuesday night due to a knee injury, and interim manager Gareth Southgate stressed to the media that the only reason for the forward's withdrawal from the squad was fitness-related.
In response to the newspaper report, Rooney's camp have expressed their unhappiness in hotel guests turning the footballer's "good nature" in posing for photographs to their "advantage".
"Wayne, along with the rest of the England squad, was on a night off duty," The Mirror quotes Rooney's spokesman as saying. "Rather than going out, he chose to stay at the team hotel to relax and celebrate a fine England victory against Scotland.
"During the course of the evening he was approached by numerous fellow guests for autographs and pictures. As he has always been, Wayne was happy to sign, pose for photos and chat with guests.
"It is sad that one or two of them have now sought to turn Wayne's friendly good nature to their advantage."
Reports have claimed that Rooney is expected to be fit for Saturday's Premier League showdown against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Danielle Joynson
