Look Roo's back again
WAYNE ROONEY said he is “humbled” after Gareth Southgate offered him the chance to end his England career in style.
The Three Lions’ greatest goalscorer will win his 120th cap and skipper the side against the USA. Rooney, 33, who bagged 53 goals in his international career, has not featured since the World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Wembley in November 2016.
But as recognition of his service, he will lead out the team one final time on Thursday week. The Wayne Rooney Foundation will benefit from proceeds of the game to help its work for various children’s charities.
Rooney said: “I am truly humbled and hugely excited to play for England at Wembley again. Playing for England was the greatest honour of my career – so winning my 120th, and final, cap will be a particularly special moment for me.
“I have been hugely impressed with the progress of this young
England team. I hope that whilst I am with the squad I can pass on some of my experience.”
Talks with the player had been ongoing about supporting his charity at an international game as a mark of respect for his achievements as a player.
But his recent form playing in America with DC United raised the possibility of him featuring in the game.
The FA’s commercial side consulted manager Gareth Southgate and he backed the plan immediately.
“The connection between the FA and former England players is something that has always been very important to me,” said Southgate. “Acknowledging the Three Lions legacy has been a major part of our journey with this group of young players and Wayne is a hugely significant part of that history.
“This tribute is a unique opportunity that is befitting of our nation’s record goalscorer.
Impact
“We can formally acknowledge Wayne’s immense contribution to England in front of the Wembley crowd and against apt opponents given the recent impact he has made in MLS.”
England were part of a similar occasion for Germany’s Lukas Podolski in March 2017 when the former Arsenal striker ended off his international career with a goal.
But the decision to hand Rooney a 120th appearance angered England’s record cap-holder Peter Shilton.
The goalkeeper, capped
125 times between 1970 and
1990, accused the FA of “giving away caps”.
The Three Lions legend said he was “shocked” by a decision he believed would steal a young star’s place.
“I was shocked when I read it and I’m still struggling to understand the decision,” he said.
“It’s been two years since Wayne last played, England are on a new threshold and have just had a great World Cup but are going backwards with this.
“That’s not to say that Wayne does not deserve a tribute but give him a presentation, don’t just give caps away, which is wrong and also denies a young player a chance.
“I don’t agree with it at all. It should be the greatest honour and reward playing for your country but the reality is that the MLS is nowhere near the same level as the Premier League.
“Wayne Rooney finished with England, Gareth Southgate moved on.”