Bournemouth striker Wilson wins first senior England call-up
WAYNE Rooney heads a squad named by England manager Gareth Southgate for the upcoming games against the United States and Croatia - with Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson called up for the first time.
The return of record goalscorer Rooney has split opinion, with the 33-year-old set to collect a 120th cap in the November 15 friendly against the US to honour his Three Lions career.
Rooney has not played for his country for almost two years and Press Association Sport under- stands he will make a late substitute appearance in a game which will be known officially as the Wayne Rooney Foundation International.
He is not in contention for the Nations League clash with Croatia three days later.
Southgate revealed talks over Rooney’s involvement have been going on for a year, ever since his international retirement.
“There have been ongoing discussions since Wayne retired about paying tribute to him and his England career,” said the manager, who added Rooney had declined an opportunity to be honoured ahead of the World Cup so as not to take the attention away from those going to Russia.
“Those discussions started 12 months ago. We have an opportunity with the game at Wembley to pay tribute.
“I am still able to look to the future with the squad we’ve picked, but we’ve talked a lot about the history of the shirt. We have brought former players back to speak and present shirts. I think all the players respect Wayne’s contribution and that he deserves the best possible send-off.”
Wilson, who has scored six Premier League goals this season, is rewarded with a maiden call-up to the senior ranks.
Midfielders Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard return after being ruled out of last month’s Nations League double-header against Spain and Croatia through injury - with youngsters Mason Mount and James Maddison dropping out. England squad: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Marcus Bettinelli, Jack Butland, Ben Chilwell, Fabian Delph, Eric Dier, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Michael Keane, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alex McCarthy, Jordan Pickford, Marcus Rashford, Wayne Rooney, Jadon Sancho, Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Danny Welbeck, Callum Wilson, Harry Winks