Delighted England fans rejoice as Wayne Rooney starts against Malta

England fans were quick to express their delight at the news Wayne Rooney had been selected to start Gareth Southgate's first match in charge of the national side, Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Malta.

Rooney, his nation's all-time leading goal scorer, captains the side off the back of a red hot streak of one goal in 12 appearances in 2016/17 - a scoring record only bettered by countrymen Marcus Rashford, Troy Deeney, Theo Walcott, Adam Lallana, Jermainie Defoe, Raheem Sterling, Michail Antonio and Liverpool left-back, James Milner. Within minutes of the team's announcement, social media was awash with joyous Rooney fans who praised Southgate's decision to stick with their main man. https://twitter.com/ZakAFC_Pugh/status/784773326510129152 Some suggested that such a selection was worthy of giving the England job to Southgate on a permanent basis. https://twitter.com/ianbaker411/status/784774317078876161 Elsewhere, Manchester United supporters, who have witnessed Rooney's scintillating form up close, were also happy to see their captain named in the team. https://twitter.com/willperryparks/status/784775023366144000 Although others were obviously concerned that their striker made it through the game without picking up an injury. https://twitter.com/PiqueBlinders/status/784769473991565312 Other supporters noted that Rooney wasn't necessarily in the side for his goals, instead occupying the midfield berth in which he has flourished in for his club on many occasions this season. https://twitter.com/BenBuckwell69/status/784771116233527296 https://twitter.com/rickyjana/status/784768163674075136 https://twitter.com/Luke_DCFC/status/784767174351134720 Regardless of where Rooney plays for his country, there's little doubt that his country have complete faith in his ability to perform. https://twitter.com/bxstock/status/784767845645295617 Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live: