Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney as become one of the youngest England players to begin trying to qualify as a coach, having commenced studies for his Uefa B licence.
The entry level qualification for professional players who hope to move into management, is usually taken by footballers in their thirties. But Rooney wants to gain his coaching badges as soon as possible, encouraged by Sir Alex Ferguson, his club's manager.
The Sunday Times says Rooney has told friends he wants to stay in football after he finishes playing.
Richard Bevan, chief executive of the League Managers Association, said: "Players should be targeted early for training."
