Every word from Wayne Rooney's final England pre-match press conference
Rooney will end his England career against the USA on Thursday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wayne Rooney understands why his international return might divide opinion but hopes such occasions become the norm for England greats of the future.
Nobody has scored more goals for the national team, nor has any outfield player represented the Three Lions more, but news of the 33-year-old's one-off comeback appearance against the United States still split opinion.
The debate over Rooney's 120th and final cap dominated a packed press conference previewing the friendly, but the DC United forward brushed aside those questioning the decision to recognise in contribution.
Instead, the former Manchester United and Everton great hopes this will become the norm for stars of the future. Here is everything he had to say.
Match preview
When is the match?
The match kicks-off at 8pm on Thursday 15 November.
What have they been saying?
Rooney: “I don't know how much I'm going to play.
“I'll speak to [manager] Gareth Southgate and whatever he wants me to play I'm happy to. It's Gareth's call.
“It's a huge honour for the Football Association to grant me this game.
“To play and be involved in the squad, see some old team-mates and Gareth Southgate, and some of the coaching staff, will be a great moment.
“To pull on the England jersey again in front of the fans will be a way of me to say thank you for the support they've shown me over my time playing for England.”
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event.
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of England's press conference ahead of the United States friendly.
Wayne Rooney joined the rest of the England squad at St George's Park on Monday ahead of his one-off comeback against the United States.
The 33-year-old will come off the bench in Thursday's friendly to collect his 120th cap after the Football Association decided to honour his record-breaking international career.
Rooney, who with 53 goals is England's all-time leading goalscorer, also holds more caps than any other outfield player.
He will be a substitute at Wembley but manager Gareth Southgate will give him minutes on the pitch in a match officially known as the Wayne Rooney Foundation International.
Rooney's first words upon England return:
After making his senior Three Lions debut as a 17-year-old, Rooney was still excited to be back on the scene some 15 years later, posting a message on Twitter ahead of meeting up with the squad.
"Looking forward to meeting up with the England squad later today, always a huge honour. An exciting week for FoundationWR!," he wrote.
Should Rooney be in or out?
Gareth Southgate is expected to utilise his squad over the course of the two games, with a number of fringe players likely to be given a chance to shine in the United States friendly.
Rooney's inclusion has been strongly backed by Southgate but has largely split opinion, with a number of former England internationals speaking out against the decision to award the former Manchester United man another cap.
His wife, Coleen, also took to social media to defend the FA's approach to marking Rooney's international achievements.
"Can't believe how much negativity there is going around ....Let's celebrate each other's achievements ..... A record was broken for the country after 50 years surely that deserves some sort of recognition," she wrote on Twitter.
Rooney may have one more international match in him, but Joe Cole has reached the end of the road.
Q: What's it like to be back?
It's nice to be back. Obviously turning up and meeting the players again was nice, some I hadn't met before. It was nice to see the staff and it has been a fantastic reception.
Q: How did it come about?
We were speaking with the FA for about 12 months over different ideas. There was talk about a game before the World Cup but I didn't think the timing was right. This seems the right time. My season is over and it's a friendly against the USA. We all felt it was the right time.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments