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Wayne Rooney opens the door for return to the England set-up… but will he manage the Three Lions one day?

Everton ace could follow in the footsteps of other players who went onto manage their national sides

WAYNE ROONEY has left the door open for a return to the England set-up.

The Three Lions' all-time record goalscorer stunned fans by calling time on his international career on Wednesday. 

 Wayne Rooney has opened the door on a return to the England set-up
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Wayne Rooney has opened the door on a return to the England set-upCredit: EPA
 Wayne Rooney hinted that he could return to the Three Lions fold in 'any capacity'
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Wayne Rooney hinted that he could return to the Three Lions fold in 'any capacity'Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

But although Rooney will never pull on the England jersey again, he has hinted that he would like to return in "any capacity."

In his statement confirming his retirement, he wrote: "Hopefully the exciting players Gareth [Southgate] is bringing through can take that ambition further and I hope everyone will get behind the team.

"One day the dream will come true and I look forward to being there as a fan - or in any capacity."

If Rooney did return to the national set-up following his retirement, he wouldn't be the first to do so.

Former England player Gary Neville joined the coaching team under Roy Hodgson during the disastrous Euro 2016 tournament.

Other players have gone onto retire from their countries as a player only to return as managers years later.

 Gary Neville joined Roy Hodgson's coaching team at Euro 2016
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Gary Neville joined Roy Hodgson's coaching team at Euro 2016Credit: Getty - Contributor

Wayne Rooney betting specials with Sun Bets

Harry Kane to break Rooney's Goal Scoring record - 10/1

 

England to win the World Cup without Rooney - 20/1

 

Rooney to become permanent England manager at any time - 53/1

 Argentina legend Maradona went on to be appointed the manager of his national side
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Argentina legend Maradona went on to be appointed the manager of his national sideCredit: AFP

Argentina legend Maradona led his country to the 2010 World Cup but was later knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals and eventually sacked.

Current Chelsea boss Antonio Conte also racked up 20 caps for Italy before becoming head coach of the Azzurri.

And anyone that fancies Rooney to follow in their footsteps and become manager of his country can get odds of 53/1 with SunBets.


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