Rooney lauds English efforts

WASHINGTON: England and Manchester United top career goalscorer Wayne Rooney praised his homeland’s “fantastic” World Cup effort on Monday, cheering the buzz and belief their semi-final run in Russia has inspired.

Rooney appeared at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new $200 million home stadium of DC United, where the 32-year-old striker makes his Major League Soccer debut Saturday against Vancouver.

“They are doing fantastic. Hopefully we can get the win,” Rooney said. “It’s great. You see the atmosphere back home. There are billions watching it. Hopefully we can get through and go on to the final.”

Manager Gareth Southgate’s England squad will face Croatia in a Wednesday semi-final for a berth in Sunday’s championship match against either France or Belgium.

“For the players and Gareth, I wish them massive good luck. They are making us all proud,” Rooney said. “Hopefully they can get that one step further and get to the final and bring the Cup home.

“I’ve enjoyed all the buzz coming out of this. We´re enjoying it and we believe.”DC United, which last won the MLS title in 2004, has the worst record in the league with two wins and five drawn from 14 matches. But there is renewed hope in Rooney and the new 20,000-seat Audi Field.

“I can’t wait. I’m looking forward to it,” Rooney said of Saturday’s match.Rooney will make his move from Premier League side Everton official on Tuesday when the transfer period opens and he can sign a three-year MLS deal worth $13 million with DC United. Rooney, wearing a black shirt with a DC United logo, thanked fans gathered at the facility.