Rooney to make England swansong against US next week
LONDON (AP) — The Football Association will honor Wayne Rooney by allowing the DC United striker to make his 120th and final England appearance against the United States at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 15.
The friendly fixture will be called the Wayne Rooney Foundation International in support of the former Manchester United forward's charitable interests.
The 33-year-old Rooney, who joined DC United from Everton earlier this year, retired from international duty in August 2017 as his country's record goal-scorer (53) and having won more caps (119) than any other England outfield player. He is also Manchester United's record goal-scorer (253).
"I am truly humbled and hugely excited to play for England at Wembley again," Rooney said in an FA statement. "I would like to thank (manager) Gareth Southgate and the FA for inviting me back and helping to support my foundation in the process.
"Playing for England was the greatest honor of my career, so winning my 120th and final cap will be a particularly special moment for me. It's fitting the match will be against the USA."
The Wayne Rooney Foundation focuses on improving the lives of disadvantaged children.
"The connection between the FA and former England players is something that has always been very important to me," Southgate said. "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."
