Rooney was on the receiving end of endless praise last month when he announced his international retirement.

The Everton forward brought the curtain down on a 13-year career with England that saw him win 119 caps and scored a record 53 goals.

But Rooney now finds himself public enemy No.1 again after being arrested for drink driving.

The 31-year-old was arrested last week at the wheel of someone else's car and spent the night in the cells after being found more than three times over the limit.

Toffees boss Ronald Koeman is said to be furious with his new signing and will give him a dressing down once his squad reconvene following the international break.

Former Three Lions captain Rooney is being hammered for setting the wrong example to youngsters.

But Clarke reckons Rooney is an icon of our game and he said: "It's with sadness that we see Wayne Rooney call time on his England career.

"He is an icon of his generation and an undoubted legend of the game.

"It goes without saying that Wayne has deservedly earned the right to be forever called a Three Lions great."