Wayne Rooney to retire from international football after 2018 World Cup

Rooney to retire after 2018 World Cup

England captain Wayne Rooney has confirmed that he will retire from international duty after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Manchester United striker is England's highest ever goalscorer and is set to become the most-capped outfield player in Three Lions history against Slovakia on Sunday.

However, the 30-year-old believes that the end of the World Cup in two years' time will be the right moment to call an end to his record-breaking international career.

"Come Russia, I feel that that would be time for me to say goodbye to international football. Obviously it is up to Sam [Allardyce], but if that is where my England career comes to an end, it will be after some highs and some lows but as an immensely proud man," he told reporters.

"I started playing international football at 17, so at 32, in two years' time, I will have been playing at that level for 15 years and I think that is a good time to finish."

Rooney, who has scored 53 goals in 115 appearances for his country, is expected to surpass Peter Shilton (125) as the most-capped England player of all time.

POLL
Has Wayne Rooney fulfilled his potential with England?
Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter

Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe