England captain Wayne Rooney has retired from international football with immediate effect. The Everton forward made his international debut in 2003 against Australia but has decided to call it a day after 14 illustrious years with the Three Lions. The 31-year-old lost his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the summer internationals and the England boss will now have to select a new permanent captain.
Rooney’s good start at Goodison Park had led to speculation that he will be selected again for England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers in September but he’s taken the matter into his own hands.
The former Manchester United forward steps down from international duty as England’s greatest ever goalscorer. Rooney scored 53 times in 119 appearances for the Three Lions.
Rooney confirmed that Southgate had planned on picking him again in September but said he informed the England boss about his decision during a phone call this week.
‘It was great that Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches. I really appreciated that,’ Rooney said in a statement.
‘However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.
‘It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.
‘Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me.
‘But I believe now is the time to bow out.’
Rooney admitted after the disappointment of England’s Euro2016 campaign that the World Cup in Russia would likely be his last international outing.
‘I know Russia will be my last opportunity to do anything so I’m going to try and enjoy these two years and hopefully end my time with England on a high,’ said Rooney.
It’s unclear what’s changed since then to alter Rooney’s thinking but there’s no doubt the 31-year-old will be remembered as one of England’s greatest ever players.
Rooney’s finest tournament in a white shirt came in the 2004 European Championships when a broken metatarsal scuppered his – and England’s chances – of glory.
The striker scored four times in Portugal but managed just three further goals in international tournaments since in what will be a huge regret for Rooney.
Credit: Metro
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