UK Edition
Wayne Rooney plans talks with Gareth Southgate about England prospects
Wayne Rooney hopes he has nudged the door to an England recall further ajar after reaching another goalscoring milestone.
Rooney struck his 200th Premier League goal as Everton earned a 1-1 draw with Manchester City at The Etihad. Having been omitted from Gareth Southgate’s last two England squads, Rooney wants to be involved against Malta and Slovakia.
Southgate, who was watching the game, names his squad on Thursday.
“I am focusing on Everton but I am sure I will speak to England manager Gareth Southgate over the next few days and we will see what happens,” said Rooney.
Having been predictably targeted by City fans, the former Manchester United striker took particular pleasure in the 35th minute strike. He also covered more ground – 11km – than any other Everton player.
"It was nice. To do it today in such an important game for us, with tough games coming up, it was a sweet moment and I am sure the red half of Manchester will have enjoyed it as well,” he said.
"We can certainly improve. It is early days obviously. We have made a lot of signings this summer. We are ambitious, we try to move forward. Time will tell, we aim to get better hopefully over the next year or two and hopefully that brings success.
"Everton have shown their ambition. We are trying to close that gap on the top teams.”
On his work rate, Rooney added: "It is not bad for someone who is not fit anymore and can't get about the pitch. I have always put a shift in for the team and tonight is no different.”
Everton manager Ronald Koeman feels the decision to sign Rooney is already being vindicated.
“He is still that player that every manager needs in his team,” said Koeman.
“He is back home. We have young players who did a great job and he is a teacher for them. We would like to win titles and he knows how to win titles. He has the cleverness you need in the team. I am very happy about him.
“It is always with all the respect with 30 plus players they need regular game time. He had a good pre-season and played a lot and trained a lot.”
City manager Pep Guardiola said the game reminded him of numerous City fixtures last season, claiming his side did not take their opportunities.
“We didn’t win, we made everything to win. I prefer to win, but it was like a lot of games last season,” he said.
“We made chances again. They had one chance on target and they scored.”
Guardiola was visibly frustrated following the first half sending off of Kyle Walker, but refused to comment.
“I am not going to talk about the referee. It was so clear,” said Guardiola.
Koeman felt both red cards were harsh, as Morgan Schneiderlin also received two yellow cards.
“I was in a better position (than the referee) and he played the ball. But away at City, after sending off a player of City, you know what the referee will do then,” said Koeman.
“I think you can have your doubts about both red cards. Morgan Schneiderlin was more clear, he was playing the ball. I didn't see if Kyle Walker's was a second yellow.
“It is really difficult for referees. It is high intensity in the game. Of course after the sending off of Walker they tried to influence the referee.”