Wayne Rooney – who has just been retained by new manager Sam Allardyce as captain of the England national team – has announced he has plans to retire from representing his country.
Speaking at a press conference, Rooney announced his plans to leave the national side after the 2018 World Cup. He 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 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 closed off by saying, “My mind is made up… Russia will be my last tournament.”
Should Allardyce pick Rooney to be in the squad by the time the tournament rolls around in Russia, he will be 32 years of age.
Rooney is expected to star in his Manchester United role as a number 10 against Slovakia on Sunday, following on from Roy Hodson’s failed attempt to deploy him as a holding midfielder during England’s miserable Euro campaign in France.