Wayne Rooney ‘humbled and excited’ as FA confirm Manchester United legend will return to England squad for USA friendly
The former Three Lions skipper will take to the field once again for a charity fund-raising friendly against the United States
Wayne Rooney is to make a sensational return to the England fold later this month, the FA have confirmed.
The Three Lions' record goalscorer will be included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for a charity fundraising friendly against the USA at Wembley on November 15.
The 33-year-old, who netted 53 goals in 119 appearances for his country, ended his international career in 2017 and moved to America to join DC United in June.
But he will be now make one final appearance for England against the US.
Rooney said: "I am truly humbled and hugely excited to play for England at Wembley again. I would like to thank Gareth Southgate and The FA for inviting me back and helping to support my Foundation in the process.
"Playing for England was the greatest honour of my career – so winning my 120th, and final, cap will be a particularly special moment for me. It’s fitting that the match will be against the USA and I hope that both sets of fans enjoy the game."
Rooney, who has made a big impression in the States since moving to DC United, is expected to captain England in the friendly.
An FA statement read: "Wayne Rooney is set to make his 120th and final England appearance next week, as The FA honours his record-breaking international career.
"England’s fixture against the USA is to be called The Wayne Rooney Foundation International in support of the legend’s charitable interests.
"Manager Gareth Southgate will also name the 33-year-old in his squad to face the Americans at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, November 15 (8pm kick-off).
";Following this FA initiative, the Wembley crowd will now get the chance to show their appreciation of one of England’s greats as the curtain comes down on a glittering Three Lions career that spanned three FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships."
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Southgate added: "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.
"This tribute to Wayne is a unique opportunity that is befitting of our nation’s record goal-scorer. We’re fortunate that circumstances have allowed us to formally acknowledge Wayne’s immense contribution to England in front of the Wembley crowd and against apt opponents given the recent impact he has made in MLS."
England host the United States on Thursday, November 15, before taking on Croatia at Wembley three days later in the Nations League.
Southgate's side have picked up four points in UEFA's new competition, drawing in Croatia and beating Spain during the previous international break.
He will announce his squad for the two games on Thursday.