MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 16:34:50| >> :120:17182:17182:

Wayne Rooney not considering England playing return

Wayne Rooney says that his mind is made up on his England playing retirement, but would not rule out a role as coach or even manager in future.

Wayne Rooney has ruled out a return to the England fold as a player, but would consider a position as a coach or manager of the national team in the future.

The Three Lions' all-time leading goalscorer called time on his international career last month, a year before the World Cup in Russia.

Although England boss Gareth Southgate has left the door open for Rooney to change his mind, the Everton forward does not want to deprive any meriting squad players the chance of playing in the tournament.

"My mind is made up. I have seen it a few times where players have come out of retirement and gone to tournaments and it's not right," Rooney said in an interview with talkSPORT.

"The lads who are trying to qualify for Russia will be the players that deserve to play in the tournament. So my decision has been made."

However, when asked about his thoughts on coaching England, the former Manchester United marksman replied: "England manager - you never know! I wouldn't say no!"

In addition to his record-breaking tally of 53 England goals, Rooney also made 119 appearances for his nation, second only to legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

ID:306407: cacheID:306407:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2327:
Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Sweden coach Sven-Goran Eriksson attends a press conference held by Guangzhou R&F football club in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province on June 17, 2013.
Read Next:
Eriksson: 'I hope Rooney changes his mind'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!