He said England have not lost a qualifier since 2009, going unbeaten to reach Euro 2012, 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
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“In March, they said they wanted me to come and play for them but I said I feel like I could possibly get into the England set-up”.
But Rooney, who revealed he has started his coaching badges in preparation for a managerial career, says his heart is set on seeing out his playing days in Manchester.
“There were some questions about whether I should stop playing, but I am looking forward to getting back on the pitch”, he added.
“It benefits us if players coming here would be very disappointed at not being in the squad, like Ross Barkley, and the players that aren’t picked in the 11 are then disappointed, and say “come on gaffer I deserve a place” – that’s healthy for England”.
“My mind is made up but it depends on Sam Allardyce, that’ll be my last tournament if selected”.
Rooney said he was backing former Bolton, West Ham and Sunderland boss Allardyce to help England achieve more at worldwide tournaments.
The journey starts with England’s opening qualifying match for the 2018 World Cup, against Slovakia on Sunday. At Old Trafford this season under Jose Mourinho, Rooney has played in a deeper position behind the striker.
Reflecting on England’s shock exit to Iceland in the Euros, Rooney admitted mental fragility could have been the problem and hopes the vastly experienced Allardyce can rectify that aspect.
Despite being dropped by City, the 29-year-old Hart was still called up by England as one of three goalkeepers for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday. The managers and players haven’t found out why, but Sam will try to find out why it’s happening.
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“It’s a huge honour to captain your country and I’m grateful to Sam for the opportunity to continue”. He will be only 32 at the end of the next World Cup, no age at all when you consider that Fabio Cannavaro was 33 when he captained Italy’s winning team in 2006. “If Joe arrives today, and I’m sure if there’s anything in the pipeline Joe will tell us this may happen”. He is amazed by the way everyone in the squad loves celebrating a winning moment, “It’s fantastic when I look to my side and I see the people on the bench suffering with us and then jumping for the goal”. That is down to the way he has got them playing. With England’s young talent and Rooney’s sagging form, that’s no guarantee.
