Wayne Rooney has been less than impressed with a story which was shared in a new book from one of his former England team-mates
Coleen and Wayne Rooney leave court after giving evidence in the "Wagatha Christie" libel trial at the High Court of Justice in London. Rebekah sued Coleen for accusing her of leaking 'false stories' about her (Coleen).
Wayne Rooney is said to be livid at claims made in Andy Carroll's book(Image: © 2022 SOPA Images)
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'Livid' Wayne Rooney has reportedly threatened to bring legal action against Andy Carroll after his former England team-mate claimed he drank on international duty in his book.
Rooney and Carroll played together for the Three Lions, including at the 2012 European Championship in Ukraine and Poland. While on international duty, Carroll claimed he and Rooney both drank with each other in the former Manchester United captain's bedroom.
After the ex-Liverpool and West Ham star claimed they often boozed in the middle of England camps, Rooney was reportedly left "livid". He is now demanding a retraction from Carroll's book, 'Owning It,' and is threatening to take him to court, according to reports.
This has been claimed by the Sun, who have stated Rooney is now considering legal action against the book, which was published by Pan MacMillan. The source said: "Wayne is livid. He’s not messing around.
"His legal team have sent a strongly worded letter to the publisher. He wants it retracted as it is completely untrue. Wayne knows he’s no angel, but this crossed the line. It’s a matter of principle.”
Another told the outlet: "Andy is spiralling over the whole situation. He didn’t think for a second Rooney would kick off like this. Andy had a book to sell and now he’s in over his head. There may be a public apology coming unless he wants a legal battle on his hands.”
Andy Carroll and Wayne Rooney look on during the England training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 Group G qualifier against Montenegro on October 4, 2011 in London Colney, England
Carroll alleged in his book that he used to drink with Rooney during England camps(Image: 2011 Getty Images)
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Mirror Sport have reached out to Pan MacMillan and Rooney's representatives for a comment.
Rooney has been turning over a new leaf in his life, having lost a lot of weight and given up alcohol. He recently opened up about his past, which often saw him respond to difficulties in football or with the media by turning to the bottle.
In an interview with the Guardian, when asked where he would turn to if he was feeling stressed or under pressure, he said: "I wouldn't go to the club. It's probably easier now, because there are more people you can talk to, to prevent stuff like that. Back then, you wouldn't. So I'd hold it all in and go home and drink.
Wayne Rooney reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Bayern München at Parc des Princes on April 28, 2026 in Paris, France
Rooney recently revealed that he has given up alcohol(Image: 2026 Xavier Laine)
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"And, at that time, if I was drinking, I'd end up making stupid decisions. And that could have cost me my family. Now if I feel a bit down, I'll say to Coleen, 'I feel sh*t.'"
Manchester United legend Rooney is England's second-highest top goal scorer, having contributed 53 goals in 120 international caps for the Three Lions. After four difficult managerial spells, where he took charge of Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, Rooney has steered into punditry.
He is a regular on Match of the Day and also had his own podcast-style show with the BBC throughout the World Cup. He will soon be starring in a new football quiz show with the BBC called 'Can you beat Wayne Rooney? which was recently announced by the broadcaster.
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