I’M HAPPY TO BE BACK
WAYNE ROONEY was all smiles on his return to England training yesterday as he prepares to make one final international appearance.
The sentimental inclusion of England’s record goalscorer — and the fact he is set to come on during the closing stages of the friendly against the USA at Wembley on Thursday — has led to intense criticism.
But the former Manchester United and Everton striker, who has scored 53 goals for England, has the backing of senior players to wear the armband when he is introduced as a substitute.
Former England captain Paul Ince was the latest to condemn Rooney’s one-off return yesterday, branding it as ‘total nonsense’.
But a core group of manager Gareth Southgate’s players have no qualms with the 33-year-old being handed for the the captaincy pe closing minutes of Thursday’s game, though there are players who have privately questioned the merits of his farewell call-up.
Rooney reported ed for international nal duty at St George’s Park for the final time on Monday ahead of his 120th cap — the most for an outfield player and five behind Peter Shilton’s record.
He immediately got down to action, taking part in a training session before an evening team meeting ahead of tomorrow’s first full session.
Southgate is confident there will be no objections from within the camp to give Rooney the armband for the final minutes.
Jordan Pickford has applauded the plan to recall Rooney for an international swansong. ‘ It’s good for Wazza and it’s good for the nation,’ said the Everton goalkeeper. ‘It’s a really good idea. He’s England’s highest goalscorer. He nearly beat the caps record and it’s great that the boss and the FA have put this on for him.’
Meanwhile, England medical staff were monitoring Kieran Trippier yesterday after the Tottenham defender sustained a groin injury against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
of the 28 players named in Southgate’s squad, 27 reported for duty yesterday. Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck was the only player not able to make it after suffering a serious ankle injury last week.