Wayne Rooney rules out international retirement U-turn for England ahead of the 2018 World Cup
Everton striker has been in stunning form under new boss Sam Allardyce and it's been suggested he could still do a job for his country
WAYNE ROONEY has ruled out a dramatic England World Cup return.
The Everton star quit the Three Lions in August — but five goals in his last four games have sparked calls for his international return.
However, despite claiming he can still do a job for England boss Gareth Southgate, Rooney insists there will be no U-turn.
The country’s 53-goal record scorer said: “No. I’ve made my decision. At the time I felt it would benefit me and my club football with those little bits of rest you get. I’m a person that once I make a decision, I wouldn’t go back.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable going back, to be honest.
“Players have been going in and meeting up with the squad and I wouldn’t feel comfortable that if I was going back I would be taking someone’s place.”
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Wazza, 32, has matched Romelu Lukaku’s nine Premier League goals this season and his recent form is up there with other England hitmen.
The 119-cap striker is also the veteran of five tournaments since bursting on to the international scene in 2004.
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England boss Southgate is set to take a youthful squad to Russia but Roo feels the young stars can step up and make a difference.
He added: “I believe I could go and do a job but I also feel I have had my time with England — I’ve seen Jamie Carragher come out of retirement for a World Cup.
Listen to Rooney’s interview on talkSPORT at 10am
WAYNE ROONEY’S exclusive interview with talkSPORT, with Alan Brazil asking all the questions, airs at 10am today.
The talk is in association with the Wayne Rooney Foundation.
Working with the Foundation, Wayne is raising funds for groups dedicated to helping disadvantaged and vulnerable children including the NSPCC, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Claire House Children’s Hospice and the Everton Foundation.
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“I’ve seen players do that and, for me, it’s not the right decision.
“When I was there in the last couple of years, we have great ability and talent in the younger players, it is an exciting time.”
