Wayne Rooney ‘unreservedly’ apologises to Gareth Southgate over weekend pictures

England captain Wayne Rooney has “unreservedly” apologised to interim manager Gareth Southgate and Football Association technical director Dan Ashworth, admitting images taken of him over the weekend were “inappropriate for someone in his position”.

The 31-year-old started the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying win against Scotland on Friday, but a minor knee injury saw him withdraw from the squad to face Spain.

Interim England boss Southgate was forced to deny after Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Spain that Rooney’s absence was anything to do with images that emerged from The Grove hotel on Saturday night.

The Sun alleged that Rooney dropped in on a wedding party, with the paper printing a photo appearing to show the Manchester United forward, sporting an England training top, looking the worse for wear.

In a statement issued on Rooney’s behalf to Press Association Sport on Wednesday evening, the player’s spokesperson said: “Naturally Wayne is sorry that pictures taken with fans have been published today.

“Although it was a day off for the whole squad and staff, he fully recognises that the images are inappropriate for someone in his position.

“Earlier today Wayne spoke privately to both Gareth Southgate and Dan Ashworth to unreservedly apologise.

“He would like to further extend that apology to any young fans who have seen these pictures.”

Press Association Sport understands that figures within the FA were disappointed by the incident, with all those involved that evening being spoken to.

The players’ code of conduct is still in place and any repercussions will be dealt with internally, although the governing body has confirmed that overnight free time, which has been in place for a number of years, will be reviewed.

An FA spokesperson said: “All England personnel have a responsibility to behave appropriately at all times. We will be reviewing our policy around free time whilst on international duty.”

What Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho thinks about the matter will become clear when he addresses the media on Friday ahead of the Premier League clash with Arsenal.

Rooney has endured a tough campaign, finding himself in the unusual situation of fighting for his place in the team.

The 31-year-old ended his goal drought in the recent Europa League clash at Fenerbahce and impressed as United headed into the international break with a 3-1 win at Swansea.

Rooney dropped to the bench in last month’s qualifier in Slovenia, but returned to the starting line-up as Scotland were beaten at Wembley.

United return to action on Saturday lunchtime against Arsenal, before hosting Feyenoord in the Europa League. England are not in action again until March’s glamour friendly in Germany.