Rooney - Cole boos disappointing

England striker defends criticised left-back

Last updated: 11th October 2008

Ashley Cole Jermain Defoe celeb England v Kazakhstan

England: Defending Cole

think the players are really disappointed to be honest. We know that players make mistakes. It is part of the game.

Wayne Rooney
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Wayne Rooney has said the England players are 'really disappointed' with the verbal criticism Ashley Cole received following his error against Kazakhstan.

England ran out 5-1 victors in their World Cup qualifier at Wembley to maintain their 100 per cent start in Group 6.

At 2-0 up the visitors pulled a goal back as Zhambyl Kukeyev pounced on a careless error from Cole.

The Chelsea defender was then victim of a chorus of boos for much of the remainder of the encounter, and Rooney, who netted a brace, admits he and his team-mates were saddened by the demonstration.

He told Sky Sports News: "I think the players are really disappointed to be honest. We know that players make mistakes. It is part of the game.

"I think the fans should really get behind a player when they make a mistake and not boo them the way they did."

Patience

Of the display and result, Manchester United striker Rooney said: "I was pleased with the two goals and obviously delighted to win.

"At half-time we said to make sure we stay patient and don't panic and play long balls.

"I thought we did that and it paid off, we made some great chances and managed to take them.

"It is always a bit edgy until you get the first goal. Once we got the first goal we knew we would go on and win the game.

"We were disappointed they got a goal and we wanted to step it up and get some more goals."

Ferdinand

Stand-in captain Rio Ferdinand, who opened the scoring on 52 minutes, was delighted to record three points, adding: "It was a very, very proud moment to be captain of England during a World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

"To score and be on the winning side was the icing on the cake really. Sometimes it is going to take 60 minutes to break down teams no matter what their credentials are on paper.

"You have got to be patient and keep plugging away and in the end we ran out 5-1 winners."