Wayne Rooney has said that he does not "want to be making the wrong type of headlines" in his first game as England captain tonight.

It had been rumoured earlier this week that the Manchester United star would wear the captain's armband. Rooney takes the role becuase of regular captain Steven Gerrard's suspension from the match. Additionally, Frank Lampard, who would have been a prime candidate for the captaincy, is injured.

With tonight's World Cup qualifier against San Marino looming, Rooney says that while he doubts he will change his atttitude in his role as captain, he wants to avoid making silly mistakes.

"I don't think I'm going to change my attitude because I'm wearing the armband. I'm quite vocal on the pitch and my determination can hopefully help the team. But I don't want to be making the wrong type of headlines and missing games I don't want to be missing," he said.

He also regrets being sent off in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro which saw him banned for two of the competition's group stage games.

"What happened in Montenegro was stupid. I regretted it as soon as I'd done it. It won't be happening again, I can promise.

"I've matured more as a player and a person. I have cut out a lot of the silly tackles and mistakes I made as a young player."

Rooney, who has appeared as captain in some Manchester United matches, including in the Champions League says he is proud to take on the role.

"It is a great honour. I'm really proud and excited. It will be a big night for me and my family. It's a big challenge for myself," he added.

Tonight's World Cup qualifier against San Marino kicks off at 8.00 pm at Wembley Stadium.