Wayne Rooney retires from International football

  England’s all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney has retired from international football after turning down the chance to be part of the squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Everton striker was asked by England boss Gareth Southgate to be involved against Malta and Slovakia.

“Every time I was selected was a real privilege but I believe now is the time to bow out,” said the 31-year-old.

The former Manchester United captain scored 53 times in 119 internationals.

Rooney, overlooked by Southgate for matches against Scotland and Francein June, made his England debut in February 2003, in a 3-1 defeat by Australia at Upton Park.

He made his major tournament debut as an 18-year-old at Euro 2004, and his last international appearance was as captain in last November’s 3-0 victory over Scotland at Wembley.

Rooney rejoined boyhood club Everton in the summer, and his announcement comes two days after he scored his 200th Premier League goal in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

After that game, he said he was “focusing on Everton” rather than an international recall.

“I’m sure I’ll speak to Gareth Southgate over the next few days,” he added. “We’ll see what happens.”

Southgate is due to name a squad on Thursday for the World Cup qualifiers in Malta on 1 September, and at home to Slovakia three days later.

Rooney’s statement in full

It was great Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches. I really appreciated that.

However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.
It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.
Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me. But I believe now is the time to bow out.

Leaving Manchester United was a tough call but I know I made the right decision in coming home to Everton. Now I want to focus all my energies on helping them be successful.

I will always remain a passionate England fan. One of my very few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England tournament side. Hopefully the exciting players Gareth is bringing through can take that ambition further and I hope everyone will get behind the team.

One day the dream will come true and I look forward to being there as a fan - or in any capacity.

Analysis

BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty
Rooney retires from international football as England’s record goalscorer - and perhaps with his contribution undervalued.

The 31-year-old’s career was a mixture of highs and lows after he truly burst on the global scene as a teenager at Euro 2004, and Rooney will forever be associated with an outstanding group of club players who could not replicate their domestic and European success at international level.

Rooney did not score at a World Cup until his third attempt - eventually netting against Uruguay in Brazil in 2014 - but he was also a player who carried England on so many occasions and his place in the history books is testimony to his outstanding contribution over so many years.

He performed selflessly, often in unfamiliar roles, and his commitment was unquestioned. For all the occasional demands for Rooney to be dropped during his England career, there was rarely much proof they would have been a better team without him.
England’s lack of success during his time on the international scene will always be a source of frustration and regret, but history may be kinder to Rooney on reflection upon an stellar career.

Former England striker Alan Shearer, who announced his own international retirement at 29, said that Rooney’s club career would benefit.

“Everton will benefit hugely I’m sure because he won’t be flying around the world playing in tournaments, qualifiers and the rest,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.

“Instead he will be sat at home having a rest and coming into training energised rather than stiff and tired from playing aboard and travelling back.”

Ex England manager Roy Hodgson made Rooney his captain in August 2014 following Steven Gerrard’s retirement and said the forward relished the responsibility.

“He was very good with me and the rest of the staff in putting across our messages to the players and keeping us informed on everything that was happening,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.
“Most importantly, he was very good with the younger players. He is older but he has the ability to bond with them.

“He is a great patriot and he could not wait to put the shirt on.
“If we ever thought it was good for him to have a rest we had to wrestle with him and impose it upon him. If it was up to him, he would play every minute, every second!”

-BBC Sport
-Agencies