Rooney made his global debut as a substitute in a friendly against Australia in February 2003 aged 17 years and 111 days – an England record at the time, since surpassed by Theo Walcott.
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England plays Slovakia in its opening World Cup qualifier on Sunday, for what will be Allardyce’s first game in charge.
Appearances for England, level with David Beckham for the most by an outfield player and only 10 shy of goalkeeper Peter Shilton’s all-time record. But, in six major tournament appearances with England, he has never gone further than the quarter-finals. I’ve spent my whole life playing football and I think it would be a shame to walk away form it completely.
“But come Russian Federation I feel that will be the time to say goodbye to global football”. My mind is made up.
Miserable just about sums up England’s experiences over the last two years. “Some highs, some lows, but I’ll be an immensely proud man”. “Russian Federation will be my last tournament”, Rooney said during a press conference at St George’s Park in Burton.
Rooney said he was yet to discuss with Allardyce what position he would play.
Rooney will keep the armband under Allardyce, who sees the Manchester United striker as the right choice to lead the team because he is the most senior and respected member of the squad.
Rooney has ambitions to become a manager and is doing his badges in preparation for the end of his playing days. “We haven’t spoken about that”.
Antonio does not see himself as the emotional type but was nearly moved to tears when two members of West Ham’s backroom staff informed him he had made the cut for Allardyce’s first squad in the aftermath of his goalscoring turn in Sunday’s 3-1 loss at Manchester City. It is just a matter of us doing well in a tournament.
“It’s a game players, staff, media, fans, everyone will be looking forward to”, he added.
The 23-year-old Spurs star hasn’t gotten off to a fine start this season but he was dynamite for Tottenham last campaign 25 league goals in 38 games.
We have to put it behind us.
“We have no problems qualifying but then we go into a tournament and it ends in disappointment”.
A new era doesn’t mean a new captain. This news story is related to Print/146546-Rooney-to-quit-England-after-2018-World-Cup/ – breaking news, latest news, pakistan ne.
“Wayne has been an excellent captain for England and the manner in which he has fulfilled the role made it an easy decision for me to ask him to continue”, Allardyce was quoted as saying by the FA website (www.thefa.com), Tuesday.
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“Wayne’s record speaks for itself”, said Allardyce.
