Rooney to make England farewell in one-off international friendly

LONDON (Reuters) – Former captain Wayne Rooney will make a one-off international comeback when England play the United States in a friendly charity game later this month, the Football Association (FA) said on Sunday.

The 33-year-old, England’s record scorer with 53 goals, will win a 120th cap in the comeback appearance on November 15 – two years after his last international match against Scotland in November 2016.

“I am truly humbled and hugely excited to play for England at Wembley again,” Rooney said in an FA statement. “I would like to thank Gareth Southgate and the FA for inviting me back and helping to support my foundation in the process. Playing for England was the greatest honor of my career – so winning my 120th, and final, cap will be a particularly special moment for me. It’s fitting that the match will be against the USA and I hope that both sets of fans enjoy the game.”

Having made his international debut in 2003 as England’s youngest ever player, Rooney surpassed Bobby Charlton as his country’s leading scorer in 2015.

Across a 13-year international career, Rooney represented England at three World Cups and three European Championships.

Rooney, who began his career at Everton, spent 13 seasons at Manchester United.

After a season back at Everton, he moved to the US to join DC United – whom he helped to the playoffs in his first campaign.

He is not expected to start or captain the side against the US, but will be brought on as a substitute in a charity match arranged to raise funds for the Rooney Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

England also play Croatia at Wembley in the Nations League on November 18.