England midfielder Jordan Henderson insists under-fire Wayne Rooney will not let the boo boys throw him off his game.
Rooney was jeered by frustrated England fans after the Manchester United star capped his performance with a wayward shot in the closing stages of his country's 2-0 win over Malta at Wembley on Saturday.
The England captain has endured a difficult season having started his previous three club matches on the bench, but the taunts that greeted his underwhelming effort against minnows Malta were a new low.
Henderson said: "Wayne's experienced enough to know he has to concentrate on his football. I think he's had criticism for most of his career, like many players have.
"He deals with it very well. He's our captain and our leader. He's a fantastic player for Manchester United and England.
"I didn't really hear any boos, but we have to deal with it as professional footballers. There is going to be criticism along the way."
Rooney was not alone in having to deal with jeers during the World Cup qualifier as there were boos for the whole team following a disjointed second half.
Henderson admitted the fans' criticism was inevitable after England's embarrassing Euro 2016 exit against lowly Iceland.
"We just have to focus on what is important as a team. That's staying together and winning games," he added.
"I said during the week the fans had a right to criticise after the way we went out of the Euros. Not only the Euros but in the World Cup as well.
"We've got to take the criticism and we deserve it. But I feel as though they know we are a good team and want us to do well.
"It's up to us to put in good performances and win games."