Wayne Rooney with the ball after scoring the equaliser (Getty)

Wayne Rooney returned to the starting line-up for Everton on Sunday and scored a vital late equaliser against Brighton.

His overall performance on the south coast in the 1-1 draw suggests that the former England captain is reaping the benefits of retiring from international duty.

Having been among the substitutes for Everton’s home defeat to Burnley before the international break, Ronald Koeman reinstated the ex-Manchester United man into his starting XI.

In the first half alone Rooney did more than he’d done all season.

With his team looking to be on the end of a defeat after an 82nd minute goal from Anthony Knockaert, Everton were awarded a penalty.

Rooney stepped up and calmly slotted the spot-kick into the bottom corner for his third Premier League goal of the season.

Rooney scores from the spot (Getty)
The goal rescued a point for Everton (Getty)
Brighton led from Anthony Knockaert (Getty)

His influential role in the match suggests the break he enjoyed during the international window aided the 31-year-old and goes some way to vindicating his decision.

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