London, Sep 30: England interim coach Gareth Southgate on Friday confirmed that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will remain as captain of the national team, even if he is no longer in the starting line-up.

Southgate, who will lead the Three Lions in the games against Malta on October 8, Slovenia on October 11, Scotland on November 11 and Spain on November 15, reported that he spoke with Rooney on Thursday and told him of his position, reports Efe.

Rooney has not started in the last two games of the Red Devils against Zorya Luhansk (1-0) and Leicester (4-1), so his place in the team has been questioned.

The new coach will announce his first call for the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying matches on Sunday.

IANS