Wayne Rooney: England striker retires from international football....

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

The Everton striker changed into requested by using England boss Gareth Southgate to be involved against Malta and Slovakia.

"each time i used to be selected turned into a actual privilege however I agree with now could be the time to bow out," stated the 31-years old.

the previous Manchester United captain scored 53 instances in 119 internationals.
. Rooney the ideal England captain - Terry Butcher

. Rooney, ignored via Southgate for suits against Scotland and France in June, made his England debut in February 2003, in a three-1 defeat through Australia at Upton Park.

He made his essential tournament debut as an 18-12 months-old at Euro 2004, and his closing international look become as captain in ultimate November's 3-0 victory over Scotland at Wembley.

Rooney rejoined boyhood membership Everton inside the summer time, and his declaration comes two days after he scored his two hundredth most appropriate League aim in a 1-1 draw at Manchester city.

After that game, he said he turned into "that specialize in Everton" instead of an international recollect.

"i am certain i'll speak to Gareth Southgate over the following few days," he brought. "we will 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 declaration in complete

It became high-quality Gareth Southgate referred to as me this week to tell me he desired me back inside the England squad for the imminent suits. I virtually preferred that.

however, having already concept long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now determined to retire for accurate from global soccer.

it's far a simply tough selection and one i have discussed with my own family, my manager at Everton and people closest to me.

gambling for England has continually been special to me. whenever i was selected as a participant or captain changed into a real privilege and that i thank everybody who helped me. but I accept as true with now's the time to bow out.

Leaving Manchester United turned into a tough call however I know I made the proper choice in coming domestic to Everton. Now I want to awareness all my energies on helping them be successful.

i will continually continue to be a passionate England fan. one of my only a few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England event facet. optimistically the thrilling players Gareth is bringing thru can take that ambition further and that i hope all and sundry gets in the back of the group.

one day the dream will come actual and that i sit up for being there as a fan - or in any capability.