My view:
It's easy to target Rooney, he's the player that most is expected of, and everybody loves to slag off those players. Blame Rooney (for example), and plenty of people will say that you are right.
However, I cannot see the sense in, for example, playing Sterling in the 'number 10 role' and Rooney out wide, like in the first game, when Rooney quite clearly isn't as effective out there. Sterling has, at least, played wide for Liverpool all season, so play him there and then Rooney can play in the middle, his preferred position. Obviously this refers to the game versus Italy.
Similarly, despite scoring, I imagine lots of people will join the Rooney was shite brigade, once we go out, when there are bigger problems with our side. Defensively we were a mess. Whether that be the back four, or the two ahead of them (Gerrard & Henderson). Going forward Gerrard & Henderson offered very little too, when ultimately they should be shaping the game. To me, that's where our problems lie, but Rooney was shit offers an easier excuse and so that will be the headline.
I'm not a Rooney apologist or lover, but I think it's too easy and fashionable to blame him. Rant over.