Wayne Rooney warned he’ll have to play by new rules

Britain Soccer Football - Manchester United v Stoke City - Premier League - Old Trafford - 2/10/16 Manchester United's Wayne Rooney warms up during the match Reuters / Russell Cheyne Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Gareth Southgate has promised to prove he is no soft touch - and immediately laid down his ground rules to Wayne Rooney.

Interim England boss Southgate has warned skipper Rooney that he will decide where he plays in his line-up and told the Manchester United star he will have to be “disciplined” and show more “responsibility.”

That comes after now-axed Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce effectively gave Rooney free rein during his brief spell in charge by claiming he could “play where he wants.”

Britain Soccer Football - Manchester United v Stoke City - Premier League - Old Trafford - 2/10/16 Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho as Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial prepare to come on Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Southgate met Rooney face-to-face last Friday, having already assuring him that he remains as captain. They discussed his role in the team after he was pushed back into midfield for the national.

“I think Wayne can play in a number of positions and very well. What’s key for this team when I look at them is whatever system we play, whatever position we ask them to play, that there’s clear tactical responsibility,” said Southgate.

“For me, as the coach, it is really important to embed that during their training. I think Wayne can play any number of different positions.

“The only thing I would say is I go back to one of the things we work on with the team is in and out of possession tactical discipline, positional discipline so whatever position you play it is clear to the players that they understand that fully.”

Allardyce was accused of indulging Rooney by playing him in midfield after originally insisting he was going to use him in the No10 role.

But Southgate says he can be tough in his new job after dismissing suggestions that he is too nice and not ruthless enough to be England manager.

The former Three Lions stalwart, stepping up from his role in charge of the England Under-21s, added: “I suppose it (being too nice) is an accusation that has been thrown at me for about 40 of my 45 years.

"It can be a (compliment) and sometimes it isn’t necessarily.

“I think when firmness and discipline are needed, the players I have worked with, certainly over the last three or four years here, would be able to tell you that’s there.”