Rooney retires from playing for England
England record-scorer Wayne Rooney called time on his often tempestuous international career Wednesday, retiring from duty after spurning an offer to return to the squad.
“I believe now is the time to bow out,” the former England captain said in a statement.
“I will always remain a passionate England fan.”
A return to form since leaving Manchester United to go back to Everton in the off-season had seen England manager Gareth Southgate approach Rooney about returning for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. But the 31-year-old striker has decided to focus on his club career, quitting England duty with a record 53 goals in 119 appearances — more than any other outfield player.
“It was great 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.
“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.”
Rooney never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of a tournament with England and his struggles on the international stage often saw him cast as the fall guy for his country’s inability to come close to adding to its solitary 1966 World Cup title.
In three appearances at World Cup finals, Rooney scored only one goal — in the 2014 edition in Brazil when England was embarrassed with a group-stage exit.
Further embarrassment was to come two years later when England was eliminated by Euro 2016 newcomer Iceland in the Round of 16 — the only game Rooney scored in at the tournament in France.