Wayne Rooney , England 's all-time top scorer, has announced his immediate retirement from international football.

No outfield player has won more Three Lions caps than the 31-year-old, who netted a record 53 goals across 119 appearances for his country.

England manager Gareth Southgate phoned Rooney on Tuesday to say he wanted to include the forward in his upcoming squad following his fine start to life back at boyhood club Everton.

However, the former Manchester United captain will play no further part for his country after informing Southgate of his decision to quit international football for good in the same phone conversation.

Wayne Rooney calls it a day for England (
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Getty)
Rooney celebrates alongside Paul Scholes and David Beckham (
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A star was born: Rooney nets in Euro 2004 (
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Wayne Rooney's infamous injury in Euro 2004 (
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Getty)

In a statement to Press Association Sport, Rooney said: ''It was great that Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches.

"I really appreciated that. However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.

Wayne Rooney celebrates becoming England's all-time top goalscorer (
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AFP/Getty)
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"It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.

"Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me. But I believe now is the time to bow out."

Wayne Rooney will go down in history for the Three Lions (
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PA)

Following his announcement, Gary Lineker took to Twitter to pay tribute to the 31-year-old:

Fans also had their say:

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