Rooney answered his critics, following his petulant behaviour in Manchester United's embarrassing and unexpected defeat by Fulham the previous week, with a man-of-the-match award in the stroll in the sun at Wembley.
On Wednesday, when England play Ukraine, Rooney will become the youngest player at 23 to win 50 England caps. That makes him a very special talent and if he can keep his suspect temper under control he was almost certainly beat David Beckham's newly-achieved record of the most caps won by and England outfielder.
But what chance Rooney's career lasting that long? If you believe the views expressed by a certain section of the press last week, Rooney's going to be the next Gazza, hell bent on destruction. Listen to his England team mates and commentators less prone to such extreme
fortune telling and it's all about his passion for the game. Take away his aggression and Rooney will be a lesser player, they say.
Rooney's crime against Fulham was more about petulance than aggression. He threw the ball away to get a red card and then punched, rather pathetically, the corner flag on his way to an early shower. Not quite up with the Eric Cantona catalogue of football misdemeanors.
Much of Rooney's childish behaviour happens when United, or England for that matter, are not playing well. So frustration is probably part of the cause. However, how much tolerance should we show to someone in such a privileged position, earning millions a year, for kicking a football?
Should his club take more responsibility for his behaviour, not jumping to his defence quite so quickly? England manager Fabio Capello referred to him as "a crazy man" but that was more a a "crazy ha-ha" rather than "crazy disturbing". But it would seem that Capello does have the measure of the young man and there's no doubt Rooney is crucial to England's chances of success in next year's World Cup.
In any group of young men, there will always be one or two who step out of line. Rooney is not alone. There are rebels in all forms of sport and more often than not they are the ones who are blessed with the most talent.
I'm pleased that Rooney will get his 50th cap on Wednesday and I hope he follows his former United colleague, Beckham, and plays for England for 100 games and beyond.
One thing is sure. If England are to do well in South Africa, Rooney has to be on form. He's suffered disappointments with injury in previous world cups. He's only got two more tournaments ahead of him. If he wants to make a real impact on world football, his has to keep his temper in check. There will always be indiscretions - but I think Rooney will enjoy a career as long and as successful as David Beckham.
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David Beckham deserves his place in the England squad and his 109th cap. I'm sure there will be a few more to fill the trophy cabinet in one - if not all - of his many residences around the world.
I believe it is wrong to compare him to Bobby Moore. All Beckham can do is to keep fit, keep playing and hope Capello will keep picking him. And when he gets on the field of play, keep delivering - as he did against Slovakia.
At this moment, Beckham deserves his place in the squad. He may never play 90 minutes again with three Lions on his chest but he proved on Saturday he still has much to offer.
Take away his ridiculous showbiz life, perpetuated by his wife, Beckham is a great role model. He keeps himself fit, he's a good family man and is a great ambassador for sport.
Get off his case.
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I'M not a great F1 fan but I usually tune in to see as many of the 17 grand prix that make up the season.
I don't pretend to understand all the rules changes which has got this year's world championship off to such a fascinating start. A month ago Jason Button didn't have a ride and Lewis Hamilton was looking forward to retaining his title.
One race down at Button gets only his second victory in 150-odd races whilst Hamilton had the unusual experience of starting from 18th on the grid. He still managed to get on the podium, however.
It would seem there's very little difference in the top dozen or so drivers when it comes to driving skills. But there's a great difference in the cars they drive.
Apparently, the McLaren car lacks downforce and it's all to do with the type of diffusers being used. Confused? So am I. But it's added a little bit of spice to the new F1 season. One thing is for sure, Hamilton's not going to get it all his way whilst Button will get the chance to prove there's more to him than his playboy image portrays.
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