Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney is reportedly considering legal action against former England team-mate Andy Carroll over allegations contained in Carroll’s upcoming autobiography, Owning It.
The dispute centres on claims that Rooney hosted drinking and smoking sessions in his hotel room while the pair were on England duty.
Rooney has strongly denied the account, describing it as a “fabrication”, while reports suggest his legal representatives have written to the book’s publisher demanding that the claims be withdrawn.
The Allegations and Rooney’s Response
Carroll’s autobiography, published by Macmillan and due for release on September 24, 2026, describes alleged gatherings during England camps.
He claims Rooney “would be surrounded by cartons of fags, crates of lager and bottles of wine” supplied by hotel management, although Carroll stressed that “no one got smashed”.
Rooney has rejected the story and questioned its basis, saying:
“I don’t normally comment on falsehoods written about me – but I will address this one. Andy knows that he and I never really socialised. I bumped into him once, coincidentally, while on a holiday – but that’s about it. As for this ‘tale’ about me drinking on England duty, it’s a fabrication. I don’t know where the story comes from. It’s disappointing.”
According to reports, a source close to Rooney said he was “livid” and believed the claims had “crossed the line”, while a source close to Carroll said the former striker was “beyond baffled” by Rooney’s reaction and stood by his account.
These are claims attributed to sources, rather than independently established facts.
Rooney and Carroll’s England Connection
Rooney and Carroll were England team-mates between 2010 and 2012, including during the build-up to and at Euro 2012.
Their international careers overlapped during a period when England were managed by Fabio Capello and later Roy Hodgson.
Rooney went on to become England’s record goalscorer before Harry Kane surpassed his tally, while establishing himself as Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Life After Prime Football Career
Rooney now works extensively in football media. He is involved in Stick to United, a weekly show with Mark Goldbridge that is available through Disney+ and The United Stand.
The 40-year-old has also managed Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle during his post-playing career, stating now never to return to the dugout following the conclusion of his spell at Plymouth.
Carroll, meanwhile, remains active in football. The 37-year-old joined Dagenham & Redbridge in 2025 and is now combining his playing career with coaching responsibilities. He was appointed the club’s player-assistant manager for the 2026/27 season and is also a shareholder.
His autobiography is therefore arriving at a significant moment in his career, but its claims about Rooney have already created a public dispute between the two former England forwards.
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