Wayne Rooney to make one last appearance for England
England are set to host the USA at the Wembley on Thursday in a friendly and the Three Lions will use the opportunity to give Wayne Rooney a grand farewell. Rooney, who is a record goal-scorer for his country, had retired from international duty last year in August. However, the talisman will make one last appearance for England. Here's more on the same.
Southgate would decide how much game time Rooney gets
Rooney stated that he doesn't know how much minutes he will get to play. He has left the decision completely to manager Gareth Southgate. "I don't know how much I'm going to play. I'll speak to [manager] Gareth Southgate and whatever he wants me to play I'm happy to. It's Gareth's call," said the England legend. England are honoring Rooney and his charity work.
Rooney set to play 120th match for England
The match will be termed as the 'The Wayne Rooney Foundation International'. The money raised through the match will be used for children's charity. The 33-year-old Rooney is set to play his 120th match for England on November 15. Reports state that he will be coming on as a second-half substitute, but will not be captaining the side.
Special moment for Rooney to thank the fans
"To pull on the England jersey again in front of the fans will be a way of me to say thank you for the support they've shown me over my time playing for England," said the legendary forward.
Rooney netted 53 times for England
Rooney managed to net 53 goals in 119 England appearances. The former Manchester United player last appeared as skipper for England against Scotland in November 2016. He was given the chance to make it to the squad for the World Cup qualifiers, but he turned it down and decided to bow out. He made his major tournament debut on 2004.
England players need to 'respect' the legend: Southgate
"I think the team totally respect what he did. I think it's important they respect what the players did in the past. Let's think about what he did and how well he played, and there's an opportunity here to thank him for that', stated Southgate.
