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Shock Revelation About Rooney’s International Return

Shock Revelation About Rooney’s International Return

It has been revealed that Wayne Rooney will not start the upcoming match against the USA at Wembley Stadium next week

Thomas Thorn

Thomas Thorn

It has been revealed that Wayne Rooney will not start the upcoming match against the USA at Wembley Stadium next week.

PA

It was announced at the weekend that Rooney would be included in Gareth Southgate's squad for a one-off appearance against the States.

The match at the national stadium will be called 'The Wayne Rooney Foundation international.'

While the Wembley Arch will be lit gold in honour of Rooney's charity.

The match is expected to raise approximately £500,000 for children's charities.

However, according to reports today, Rooney will not start the match, he will not be given the captains armband and will only be used as a late substitute.

The former Manchester United striker has not played for England since their 3-0 victory over Scotland in November 2016.

Rooney, who England's top goal scorer with 53 goals in 119 appearances for the Three Lions, joined DC United in the summer and took them from bottom of the MLS to the play-offs scoring 12 goals and bagging seven assists along the way.

PA

Before today's reports, the 33-year-old was a massive 1/7 to start the match and 7/2 to start on the bench.

Speaking about coming back for the match, Rooney said: "I am truly humbled and hugely excited to play for England at Wembley again. I would like to thank Gareth Southgate and the FA for inviting me back and helping to support my foundation in the process.

"Playing for England was the greatest honour of my career, so winning my 120th and final cap will be a particularly special moment for me. It's fitting that the match will be against the USA and I hope that both sets of fans can enjoy the game."

England manager Southgate said: "This tribute to Wayne is a unique opportunity that is befitting of our nation's record goalscorer.

PA

"We are fortunate that circumstances have allowed us to formally acknowledge Wayne's immense contribution to England in front of the Wembley crowd and against apt opponents given the recent impact he made in the US."

However, Rooney's return to the national team has received mixed reviews with former goalie Peter Shilton being one of the high-profile names to slam the decision.

Shilton, who has 125 caps for England, tweeted: "I don't agree with giving Wayne Rooney a cap against the USA caps should be given on merit! Honour him by a presentation on the pitch and let the youngsters do the job!"

While Gary Lineker joked on the social media site:
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