England captain Wayne Rooney admits he has known for a while that he would eventually become a playmaking midfielder.

The 30-year-old has operated as a striker for much of his fabled career but is now enjoying life as a less advanced passing player, which he reveals was always going to be the case.

Manchester United star Rooney says he has had the midfield role in his sights for the past six or so years and has prepared for that by gaining an education from the likes of Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes who occupied the position before him.

"It was always going to happen. I think I said it when I was about 24 that one day I would go back into midfield and that has happened over the last couple of months," he said.

"I have played with some of the best midfielders England has produced in Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes and I'm not so naive to play with those players and not notice what they were doing, knowing that one day I would be playing in that position.

"I have watched them when playing with them and training with them and I have tried to take bits from each of them and add my own way of playing.

"I am enjoying my role at the minute. I think you are involved in the game more.

"As a striker most of the time you have your back to goal, but in midfield you are mostly facing the goal.

"It's a different role, a different position and different discipline you have to have in your game."