Wayne Rooney insists substitute appearance against the United States will be his final England game

Wayne Rooney insists Thursday’s substitute appearance against USA will be his last cap for England no matter what happens, and revealed that the idea for the game has been in place for a year.

The country’s record goalscorer will come off the bench for his 120th cap in a specially-agreed call-up to promote the Wayne Rooney Foundation charity, two years after his initial retirement. The 33-year-old has ruled out the idea of then playing in the last Nations League game against Croatia on Sunday, no matter what happens.

“No, it will be my last game,” Rooney said of the USA match. “My form has been good in the States [for DC United]. If I got called up and it wasn't the situation it is, that would be a different situation. But this will be my last game.”

Rooney said it had been a joint idea with the FA, first raised a year ago. He didn’t want to do it before the World Cup, though, because of the potential disruption to the team’s preparation.

“We were speaking, obviously staying in contact with the FA, for about 12 months over different ideas. It was an opportunity for the game before the World Cup which I felt wasn't the right time to do that.

“Because the players were preparing for the biggest tournament in football.

“So this, we both felt, was the right time. My season is over in the States, and the game against USA, a friendly match before the lads play Croatia on Sunday, we all felt it was the right time and the right game.”

Rooney said he spoke with Gareth Southgate about confirming the plan for the USA friendly, after DC United were knocked out of the MLS play-offs at the start of November.

“I think I knew I would be playing after we went out of the play-offs with DC. It was still unsure whether I'd play or just be around the team. Then, once we went out of the play-offs, I spoke with Gareth. He felt, with my season over, that it was right I played a part in the game. It was strange.

“Obviously it's been two years since my last game for England. I was just excited really. Obviously, it's nice to obviously be back home for a week before I go back. It was just a moment of excitement and looking forward to the game on Thursday.

“It was a joint decision [to actually play]. Not mine or the FA's, but something we've been discussing together, whether it was right to take part in the game or come out before or at half-time. As different situations occurred, we came to an understanding that it was the best thing to take part.”

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Rooney says he respects the arguments against such special celebratory call-ups, but says he feels it would be a good thing for the country to do in future, and indicated that is how the FA are thinking.

“Again, everyone is entitled to their opinions. The most important thing is, speaking with the FA, we both felt it was right. The players obviously I spoke to, and the FA have spoken to, agree and think it is right. As a country, obviously we haven't done anything like this before. It's the first time. I hope, in 10 or 15 years' time, we're sat here for someone say Harry Kane, who could possibly go on and get the goalscoring record, and it will be something that happens again.

“Of course, it's something different. I'm not asking people to agree with it, but I think what's important as well is, when it was said the game was going ahead and I was coming to take part, there'd be money raised for the children through the WRF, which was important for me as well.

“It's something that's happening. Something the FA and a lot of people feel is right. And, I think, with some players we all know... a lot of the older players, players who won the World Cup, weren't treated as well as they should have been. That's through no fault of the members of the FA or coaching staff today. The FA are trying to move in a different direction and celebrate the players who have made an impact for their country. It'll be split opinions because it's the first one, but hopefully there'll be a lot more in the future.”

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Rooney meanwhile said he has no regrets about retiring from international football last year, as he also spoke about his most cherished moments in an England shirt.

“Things happen, good and bad, in football. You have to accept that. Of course it would have been nice to have won something. Not many England players have done that. I appreciate my time in the England squad. Great memories. Met some great people, great friends. The only regret is maybe not having that last game, and my way of saying thank you to the fans. That's the only regret I had.

“There have been some really good games. The Poland game which qualified us for the World Cup [in 2013] was a great victory, a great moment. The one that stands out for me is the goal against Switzerland to break the record [in 2015]: a special moment for me, and something I'll always look back on.”

Rooney said it would be an equally special moment if Harry Kane gives him the captain’s armband on coming on.

“Harry is, first of all, a great person. But also a great football player. It was great to see him get the golden boot. I know how hard he works to score goals, so it was great to see. If he hands it over, great. But the important thing for me is not whether I wear the armband or No10, or play 90 minutes. It was to have the opportunity to pull on the shirt again for one last time. It certainly will be a special moment.”