Wayne Rooney has been tipped to commentate on the next Eurovision Song Contest after delivering a blunt verdict on the World Cup final’s first-ever halftime show.
The former England captain did not hold back when asked for his thoughts on the star-studded performance during the Spain and Argentina final in New Jersey.
Standing alongside Joe Hart and Micah Richards, Rooney was asked by presenter Gabby Logan to name a highlight from the 11-minute show.
“I’ll be honest, mine was when it finished,” Rooney said, prompting nervous looks from his colleagues.
“I like a lot of them artists but I thought it was crap,” he continued. “It just didn’t get me going and I wanted the football to come back on.”
Viewers later praised the former Manchester United striker’s candour, with one political candidate calling for him to take a commentary role at Eurovision.
Social media users described his remarks as the best part of the broadcast, while Micah Richards, who had praised the musical acts, labelled Rooney “miserable.”
The halftime show was extended beyond the traditional break to more than 27 minutes for the first time, featuring performers including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, Robbie Williams, and BTS.
Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the spectacle opened with Madonna arriving on pitch with Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, followed by appearances from The Muppets and Sesame Street.
The format, common in major American events like the Super Bowl, divided opinion among fans and pundits alike.
Another analyst argued the show was “a bit of an anti-climax” but welcomed the appearance of Shakira.
The performance supported a global education fund aiming to raise $100 million to improve access to education and football for children worldwide.
More than 12 million viewers in the United Kingdom watched the final, with the audience split across two major terrestrial channels at 9.7 million and 2.4 million respectively.
