By Andrew Warshaw
August 24 – He was perhaps the only genuine world-class player in an England side that promised so much but too often under-performed, the greatest goalscorer in the history of the national team.
Wayne Rooney had to retire from international football at some stage but his decision to hang up his boots and concentrate on club football when still only 31 will be viewed by many as a premature move, especially now that he has a new lease of life back at his boyhood club Everton after being released by Manchester United.
Rooney’s announcement on Wednesday to bring an end to his illustrious England career after 14 years made worldwide headlines, such is the iconic status the former England captain enjoys.
Rooney said he made his decision despite being told by England manager Gareth Southgate that he would be recalled to the squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
“Having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football,” said Rooney.
“It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege. But I believe now is the time to bow out.”
Rooney earned his first cap against Australia in 2003 at the age of 17 years and 111 days to become the youngest player, at the time, to represent the national side. He hasn’t played for his country since a 3-0 win over Scotland at Wembley last November but leaves as England’s most prolific marksman with 53 goals and its most-capped outfield player with 119 appearances.
In terms of club football, his goal for Everton on Monday meant he became only the second player to score 200 Premier League goals. But while he won five Premier League titles and a Champions League with United, international success eluded him.
“One of my very few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England tournament side,” he said tellingly.
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who gave Rooney his debut, said he was surprised by the decision. Speaking to BBC World Service, Eriksson said: “If he goes on playing like he is now, scoring goals for Everton, then he could still have been an important player for England, with the World Cup less than a year away. If I was the England manager, I would have done everything to convince Rooney to play at the World Cup and then make a decision.”
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