Guess who’s back, back again. Wayne Rooney, for one night only, is set to come out of international retirement as English football bids their record goalscorer an official farewell.
His 120th, and final appearance of an international career spanning 15 years, will come against the United States – where he now lives and work – at Wembley Stadium on November 15 with his Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children, seeking to generate over £500,000 for various children’s charities including the NSPCC.
Rooney, 33, is expected to start on the bench alongside Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate before coming on in the closing stages so supporters can show their appreciation for his years of service to the national team.
Given the circumstances surrounding the occasion there can only be winners and below we’ve picked out who we believe are the biggest five.
1. UEFA Nations League
The visit of the United States later this month will be England’s fifth match since this summer’s World Cup and only their second friendly. It’s the perfect environment for such a game to take place given the meeting is nothing more than a celebration and the Liverpudlian will not be part of Southgate’s plans going forward.
So expect a plethora of substitutes, including Rooney himself, meaning his farewell could never happen during their UEFA Nations League game against Croatia which takes place a few days later. If anything this validates the newborn competition and further drives the idea that friendlies are pointless.
2. Wembley Stadium
Wembley is the home of English football so naturally almost every home game will be played there. The complex financial situation of the stadium is another factor to why the Three Lions are seldom on the road. And it’s the financial reason which could get a boost this month.
He’s not always been to everyone’s liking, but the chance to see Rooney play one more time for England is an opportunity not many will pass up, this in turn could increase ticket sales for a friendly making Wembley – whose arch will be lit up in the gold colours of Rooney’s charity – another winner.
3. Premier League clubs
If there’s one thing all club managers can agree on is their low opinion of international football. Not because they feel playing for your country is a bad thing, but how it could impact on their fortunes, notably key players potentially getting injured on national team duty.
England, like so many others, this month will play two fixtures. Because one of those is Rooney’s farewell game chances are Southgate’s squad is going to be a mix of debutants/youngsters (who could stand to learn much from the DC United man) and established faces thus Premier League managers can expect their English players to play one gruelling match against the aforementioned Croatia.
4. Rooney’s career narrative
The moment he burst onto the scene 16 years ago, in spectacular fashion whilst representing boyhood club Everton, so much was subsequently placed on Rooney’s shoulders as he became England’s latest golden hope.
And though his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo eclipsed him – as he battled Lionel Messi to be crowned the world’s best – there’s no denying Rooney has enjoyed a credible career. Being the Red Devils (253) and England’s (53) all-time leading scorer isn’t bad going.
It’s not had the fairytale ending but this game, on the back off England re-emergence as a world player, is as good as it gets. Also given the moment there’s sure to be some reflection and looking back even his most ardent critic will acknowledge the boy done good.
5. Future farewells
“The connection between the FA and former England players is something that has always been very important to me. Acknowledging the Three Lions legacy has been a major part of our journey with this current group of young players and Wayne Rooney is a hugely significant part of that history,” England boss Southgate noted when the news was officially announced.
If anything this should incentivise those looking to follow in Rooney’s footsteps and become an England great (or legend). An illustrious career would be duly rewarded with a tribute match where everyone celebrates the person.
This move to honour the former Three Lions skipper could very well set a precedent but think of those who came before him, most notably 1966 hero (and the only player to score a hat-trick in a men’s World Cup final) Sir Geoff Hurst, who finished his international career on 49 caps.
The post The five major winners of the The Wayne Rooney Foundation International appeared first on Squawka News.
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