BURTON UPON TRENT, England — England striker Wayne Rooney is taking inspiration from Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe as he attempts to turn around his form at international level. The Manchester United star appeared
at the Football Association's new National Football Centre on Tuesday to speak about his return to the England squad for Friday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino. The training centre features photos of soccer greats
and is also adorned with inspirational quotes one by Thorpe which reads: "Losing is not coming second. It's getting out of the water knowing you could have done better." Rooney said the five-time Olympian's words had struck a chord amid criticism of his performances for England. "I think the place is inspirational," Rooney said. "Walking round you see all the history of England and pictures up and the Ian Thorpe quote stuck in my mind — I think it's quite good.