Wayne Rooney retires from international football: England icon bows out as highest ever goalscorer

Wayne Rooney has retired from international football as England's all-time top goalscorer.

The 31-year-old forward has not been included in Gareth southgate's recent Three Lions squads despite retaining the captaincy.

The announcement comes with Southgate set to pick his latest squad for England's 2018 World Cup qualifiers

Rooney left Manchester United for Everton this summer as the Red Devils' all-time top scorer with 253 goals for the Old Trafford club.

A statement released by Rooney read: "It was great that Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches. I really appreciated that.

"However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.

"It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.

"Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me.

"But I believe now is the time to bow out.

Rooney the record breaker

Rooney became England's all-time leading goalscorer when he notched his 50th goal, in a World Cup qualifier against Switzerland in 2015, to surpass Sir Bobby Charlton's tally of 49.

He would finish his international career with 53 goals from 119 appearances for his country.

Wayne Rooney's England goals

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