Wayne Rooney has revealed that he will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia
Rooney, who will retain the captaincy under new England coach Sam Allardyce, is England’s record goalscorer having scored 53 in 115 appearances. However, after England’s dismal Euro 2016 exit to Iceland there were suggestions that Rooney’s 13-year international career might be over.
Allardyce, though, has other ideas and on confirming the Manchester United man would remain as skipper, said on Monday it was “an easy decision” to continue with Rooney as captain – “he is the most senior member of the squad and hugely respected by his peers”.
He has also earmarked Rooney for the No 10 playmaker’s position, a role previously assigned to Tottenham’s Dele Alli.
Speaking at St George’s Park ahead of Sunday’s opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in Slovakia, Rooney said: “Realistically I know myself that Russia will be my last opportunity to do anything with England. Hopefully I can end my time with England on a high.
“I said before the Euros I enjoyed playing in this team, and that’s the case still. There were some questions about whether I should stop playing, but I am looking forward to getting back on the pitch.
“I made my mind up before the Euros, whether we did well or not, that I was going to continue. I’ve had nothing to think about since then.”
He added: “My mind is made up … Russia will be my last tournament.”
