Team-mate Keane backs on-form Rooney for recall to England squad

Michael Keane believes Wayne Rooney is enjoying a new lease of life at Everton and deserves a recall to the England squad.

England’s record goalscorer netted his 200th Premier League goal – becoming only the second player to reach that figure – in the 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Monday.

The goal was also Rooney’s second in two league appearances since rejoining his boyhood club from Manchester United and his new teammate Keane is impressed by his workrate.

The 24-year-old defender said: “You see it more so than ever. He wants to do really well for this club. He wants to help us win something. Until that happens he won’t be resting. He has been fantastic since day one. He is a leader in the dressing room, he has worked really hard on his fitness and it is showing.”

Rooney was dropped by England manager Gareth Southgate last season as he struggled to command a regular place during his final campaign at United. Keane added: “Personally I think he deserves it [a recall] the way he has been playing but that is up to the manager. There are a lot of good strikers who have been scoring goals so it is his decision.”