Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been voted the England Player of the Year 2008 by the fans on TheFA.com.
Rooney played in eight of England's ten games during last year, scoring five goals - all in competitive matches.
Rooney becomes the first forward to win an award that has been running for six years - the trophy was previously awarded to four players, all of whom were midfielders.
Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, the only outfield player to play in all ten matches last year maintaining a run of games that now stretches to 19 consecutive for his country, came second. Arsenal winger Theo Walcott was third on the list after thousands of England fans logged on to TheFA.com and registered their vote at the start of 2009.
Wayne Rooney said: "I am absolutely delighted to win this award especially as it has been voted for by the England fans. Having said that, it would not have been possible without the help and support of my England teammates, Fabio Capello and his coaching staff.
"Last year we had some great results and performances in our qualifying games and now we have some important matches coming up and must not get complacent, hopefully we can maintain the form of last year. Fabio Capello, the coaching staff and players are confident that we can maintain the performance level and results that will hopefully see us qualifying for next year's World Cup Finals in South Africa.
"The results on the road last year have put us in a good position and now we have some massive games coming up at Wembley. If the fans can show the same level of support and commitment they showed last year - and again on Saturday - it will be a big help to the players. To play at Wembley with the fans and country behind us is amazing and I can't stress enough how important their support and encouragement is.
"Finally, on a personal note I would like, once again, to thank all the fans that voted for me and helped make the winning of this award possible"
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