Wayne Rooney defends England performance

Wayne Rooney has said that the England players should be proud of their performance at Euro 2012.

The Three Lions lost out at the quarter-final stage at a major tournament once again in losing to Italy, while also suffering another penalty shootout elimination.

The Manchester United striker believes that the team performed well in Eastern Europe and said that they must now turn their attention to the next World Cup.

"Listen, we all did the best we could – every single one of us – and we can hold our heads up high," The Mirror quotes Rooney as saying.

"We came home knowing that we gave absolutely ­everything at the Euros, but at the end of the day we just weren't good enough because we didn't go through. But we have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

"It was a horrible way to go out – on penalties again – but I think we did our job to a certain extent. We've got a new manager, a lot of younger players in the squad, and they will all benefit from the experience of this tournament.

"Now we've got to look ahead to the next qualifying campaign and the World Cup in Brazil."

Rooney has won 76 caps for England.