Rooney relishes his last hurrah
ENGLAND LEGEND: IT’LL BE GREAT TO PULL ON THE SHIRT
This will be the striker’s 120th match for his country.
Washington
Wayne Rooney says he is honoured to make a final appearance for England and happy for manager Gareth Southgate to decide his playing time tomorrow against the United States.
Former Manchester United star Rooney detailed his excitement at earning his 120th cap for England in his farewell match, a friendly against the Americans at Wembley.
“Being in the squad for this game and seeing some old teammates, seeing Gareth and the coaching staff, and then obviously to play at Wembley for the last time will be a great moment,” Rooney said.
“To see old team-mates, coaches and be around them for a few days, but also to see the fans – it’ll be great to pull on the England shirt again in front of the fans in almost a way of me saying thank you to the fans for the support you’ve shown me over my time playing for England.”
England’s leading goalscorer came to the MLS in July, lifting DC United from the bottom of the table to the playoffs in his first campaign. United were beaten by Columbus in their post-season opener earlier this month.
The Football Association set up the Rooney tribute with proceeds going to youth charities.
“Obviously it’s a huge honour for the FA to grant me this game. It’s an important game, obviously. Money will be raised for children’s charities, which I think is really important,” Rooney said.
Rooney, 33, has scored 53 goals in 119 England appearances since making his debut for the Three Lions on February 12, 2003. He has not played for England since a 3-0 victory over Scotland at Wembley on November 11, 2016.
“I have to admit I don’t know how much I’m going to play, whether that’s from the start or whether it’s the last few minutes,” Rooney said.
“I’ll speak to Gareth before we meet up. Whatever he wants me to do, I’m happy to.” –