He’d be one of England’s top 10 ever. He’s had a marvelous career.

class talent — it was just him,” said the 56-year-old, who also starred for Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur.

“He’s gone to play in tournaments, sometimes not fully fit, sometimes fit, in a team that’s not really good enough, and he’s suffered a little bit from that.”

Lineker, who like Rooney also failed to land a major global trophy with England, said it was a case of what might have been if Rooney had stayed fit at Euro 2004 in Portugal.

Rooney had scored four times in the tournament before broke a bone in his foot.

“Those of us who remember his early career — he was phenomenal,” said Lineker.

“He did it in Portugal. We might have gone on to win that one if he hadn’t (got injured), we were looking so good.”

Lineker also attributes Rooney’s lack of recognition to the Premier League’s unforgiving partisan fans.

“Everyone gets a bit underappreciated because we are a judgmental society, but it’s also very tribal, football.

“If he’s playing for Manchester United, automatically a lot of people would dislike him,” said Lineker. “England’s highest ever scorer calls it a day. Congratulations to @WayneRooney on a magnificent international career. A player’s player.”

on Wayne Rooney

former Everton and England striker

“I think only now he is ducking out will he get the credit he truly deserves as an England player and the record scorer.”

ex-Arsenal and England