LONDON, (AFP) — Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will take over from Steven Gerrard as England captain, manager Roy Hodgson announced during a press conference at Wembley Stadium on Thursday.

The 28-year-old forward has won 95 caps since making his debut against Australia in February 2003, scoring 40 goals, and was also named captain of United two weeks ago.

He succeeds Liverpool midfielder Gerrard, who stepped down after England’s group-phase exit at the World Cup, and will begin his tenure as permanent captain in next week’s friendly at home to Norway.

“I think Wayne’s an obvious choice and he certainly deserves it,” Hodgson told journalists.

“His commitment to the cause, his experience, the fact he’s already captained England in the past, and now he has the responsibility at Manchester United — all these factors weighed on my thought process.

“I had a long conversation with him and he’s prepared to accept the pressures that the England captaincy brings, because it’s quite important to make sure the person to whom you’re offering the captaincy is ready to take on that responsibility.”

In a statement published on the Football Association website, Rooney said: “To be named as England captain is a dream come true for me personally and of course my family. It is something that I will take massive pride in doing.

“As a kid I always loved watching a big England game on the television. Back then I had a burning ambition to play for my country. To be appointed captain is beyond my wildest dreams.

“I would obviously like to thank Roy and the coaching staff for having the belief and confidence in me to do the job.”