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Wayne Rooney confirms England talks with Gareth Southgate

Wayne Rooney in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier, Group F match against Malta
Image: Rooney is England's all-time top scorer with 53 goals but has not featured for his country since November

Wayne Rooney has remained coy over his England future but confirmed he will hold talks with boss Gareth Southgate this week ahead of the squad announcement on Thursday.

The 31-year old striker, who is England's all-time leading scorer with 53 goals, has not featured for his country since their 3-0 win over Scotland in World Cup qualifying last November.

Southgate opted to leave Rooney out of his squad for the remainder of the campaign as the forward struggled for form at Manchester United, scoring just eight times in all competitions last season.

200 up for Rooney
200 up for Rooney

Watch Wayne Rooney's landmark goal

However, following his move back to boyhood club Everton this summer, Rooney has returned to form - netting his 200th Premier League goal against Manchester City on Monday - in turn opening the door to a possible England place.

"We'll see, I'm focusing on Everton," Rooney told Sky Sports Monday Night Football when asked about whether could be included in Thursday's squad.

Wayne Rooney
Image: The 31-year old has returned to form following his move back to Everton from Manchester United earlier this summer

"I'm sure I'll speak to Gareth Southgate over the next few days - we'll have a conversation and we'll see what happens."

Southgate is set to name his players for their two World Cup Qualifiers away against Malta on September 1 and at home to Slovakia on September 4.

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England lead Group F following four victories in six games and will look to secure their place in Russia in 2018 with a further six points next month.

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