Wayne Rooney still has powerful and influential supporters.
The Manchester United and England captain announced earlier this week that he intends to retire from international football following the 2018 World Cup.
A lot of football fans feel Rooney is long past his best, and is being shoe-horned into the starting XI at both United and the English national team. However, the forward has the backing of England manager Sam Allardyce, and is set to start on Sunday evening away to Slovakia as the team begins their campaign to reach Russia in two years.
The game will be Rooney’s 116th international cap, and will see him surpass David Beckham as the country’s most capped outfield player – Peter Shilton still holds the record for the most caps with 125.
Rooney’s former teammate Beckham paid tribute to the forward’s career, and dismissed suggestions Rooney should have retired from international football following Euro 2016.
Regardless of your view on Rooney as a player, this is a nice touch from Beckham.
The post reads:
“So tonight Wayne becomes England’s most capped outfield player… I keep hearing some people say Wayne should stop playing for his country to prolong his club career… Seriously?… As a player you retire when you’re ready. Representing your country is the highest level anyone can reach, walking out in an England shirt at Wembley is one of the greatest feelings you can ever have… Every kid around the world that loves this game dreams of playing in their national team colours and representing the country they love… Don’t let anyone take that away from you, continue until you can’t give anymore… Congratulations mate.”
