Rooney to demand retraction from England team-mate's book over drinking claim

'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.

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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.”

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.

"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.