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ROO GOT A CHANCE

Wayne Rooney could earn England recall after Gareth Southgate expresses delight he will be ‘playing regular football’

Everton's new re-signing was left out of the squad for the World Cup Qualifier against Scotland, but he is back in the reckoning

WAYNE ROONEY could have resurrected his England career thanks to making a move back to Everton.

That seems to be the view of the one person central to the 31-year-old's hopes of prolonging his international career - England boss Gareth Southgate.

 Wayne Rooney decided he needed to play more regularly if he was to fight back into the England squad - and so signed for Everton
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Wayne Rooney decided he needed to play more regularly if he was to fight back into the England squad - and so signed for EvertonCredit: Rex Features
 Gareth Southgate has refused to rule out bringing Wayne Rooney back into the England fold
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Gareth Southgate has refused to rule out bringing Wayne Rooney back into the England foldCredit: PA:Press Association

Back in May, Rooney's England career appeared to be over when Gareth Southgate left him out of the squad for the World Cup Qualifier against Scotland.

It came just months after he was axed as England captain as he struggled to get any game time for Manchester United.

But as the new Premier League season approaches, the door is firmly open once again for an international return, with Southgate refusing to rule anything out.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, the England boss said: “The great thing for Rooney is that he will probably be playing more regular football.

“In the Premier League we only have 70 English players, and so we certainly aren’t ruling anybody out."

The Manchester United ace has earned his place in history as the player to score the most goals for his country, and his 53 strikes will be hard to beat.

 Wayne Rooney should see more first-team action at Goodison Park this coming season
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Wayne Rooney should see more first-team action at Goodison Park this coming seasonCredit: Rex Features
 Wayne Rooney may have thought his England career was over - but his move to Merseyside may have changed things
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Wayne Rooney may have thought his England career was over - but his move to Merseyside may have changed thingsCredit: PA:Empics Sport

The Toxteth-born striker made an emotional return to Everton this summer after admitting defeat in his bid to cement a regular first-team spot under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

He was allowed to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer and duly signed a two-year deal with Koeman's side.

And his second stint on Merseyside didn't start too badly when he scored on his "second debut" against Kenyan side Gor Mahia.

 Wayne Rooney started and finished Everton's first competitive match of the season, in the Europa League
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Wayne Rooney started and finished Everton's first competitive match of the season, in the Europa LeagueCredit: Reuters

Last night (Thursday) Rooney made his European debut for Everton in their first competitive game of the season, in a 1-0 Europa League win against Slovakian minnows MFK Ruzomberok.

He couldn't get on the scoresheet however, that honour fell to full-back Leighton Baines with a deflected 25-yard effort.


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