Thursday 24 August 2017 16:05, UK
Gareth Southgate says there is no doubt in his mind that Wayne Rooney is an England legend.
Rooney turned down the chance of an England recall this week, instead announcing an end to a career which brought a record 53 goals in 119 appearances.
The decision has sparked widespread discussion about whether the former Manchester United striker should be regarded as one of the greatest players to turn out for the national side.
Southgate feels that - as the team's record outfield appearance holder and its record goalscorer - Rooney can comfortably be classified as a legend.
"I've seen some debate around whether he's an England legend or not," said Southgate.
"If you're the most capped outfield player and the record goalscorer, I'm not sure what else you have to do to be a legend.
"He's someone who has served England brilliantly and with enormous pride. I know this was a difficult decision for him.
"The only other thing he could do is win something and if we're judging him solely on that then only the 1966 team can be considered legends for England.
"He kept coming back when there was a lot of criticism of him and represented his country with incredible pride."
Rooney has scored in successive Premier League games since returning to Everton from Manchester United, early-season form which prompted a phone call from Southgate ahead of Thursday's squad announcement.
Southgate left Rooney out of the squad for the matches against Scotland and France in June but does not feel that helped the striker make up his mind.
"I think you have to select players on form and I took no pleasure from leaving Wayne out of those squads," he said.
"The way he responded to it was fantastic. I explained my decision to him in March and we spoke for an hour about all manner of subjects.
"The lines of communication have been good all the way through."
