'Roo U-turn is possible'

GARETH SOUTHGATE has refused to rule out a World Cup return for Wayne Rooney.

The Everton star has called time on his international career, but England boss Southgate (right) said: “I think you’ve got to respect his decision and the thinking behind it. But have I seen players

change their minds? Well, yes, I think we all have.

“It would be foolish to say no because anything is possible.”

Southgate named his squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Malta and Slovakia, with Rooney the big absentee – having called time on his England career after 119 caps and 53 goals.

He believes Rooney deserves to go alongside the legends of the English game and revealed that he might even get a Wembley send-off.

Southgate said: “A match at Wembley? It’s never been done before and we have obviously had World Cup winners before.

Legacy

“So other people have to make the decision but, absolutely, we should be recognising his career with England and showing appreciation.”

Southgate said the fact that Rooney hadn’t won anything with England should not tarnish his legacy.

He added: “I guess people have that debate about Lionel Messi, because he has not won a World Cup. We are talking about that level of player.

“Would Wayne have got in the World Cup team in 1966? I don’t know.

“But what are the facts? He is our record goalscorer – more goals than Bobby Charlton, more than Gary Lineker.

“How is Gary viewed? How is John Barnes viewed? In my eyes they are legends of the English game. And I think Wayne is in that category.”