The D.C. United forward is set to take in one last appearance for his country during a friendly fixture at Wembley Stadium on Thursday
Wayne Rooney is in “good form” and deserving of one final appearance for England, says interim United States coach Dave Sarachan.
The Football Association announced ahead of the unveiling of Gareth Southgate’s latest squad that the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer would be returning to the fold.
With a friendly date with the USA at Wembley set to help raise funds for Rooney’s charitable foundation, the 33-year-old has been welcomed out of international retirement for his 120th cap .
Sarachan believes the right call has been made in honouring a legendary figure, with a man now plying his trade in MLS with D.C. United having shown in 2018 that he is no fading force.
“It’s not like Wayne retired and is just coming back after two years off. He’s coming off a terrific season in the States with D.C. United and is in good form,” Sarachan told Sky Sports .
“I think every federation should reward players who have had a great history with the team, whether it’s giving them a game or other ways.”
While mulling over his own options ahead of a trip to London, Sarachan has seen Rooney net 12 times in MLS to help fire D.C. United to a play-off berth .
He added of the former Manchester United and Everton striker’s impact in America: “It’s been what I thought it would be like with a guy like Wayne Rooney.
“He didn’t come over for a vacation – he came to win. He was in good form, stayed healthy and had a terrific impact on his team and our league. He could have mailed it in, but didn’t.”
Sarachan’s opinion on Rooney’s England recall, which was initially met with a mixed response , has been echoed by a man who spent time alongside him at Everton.
Antonee Robinson, who is currently on loan at Wigan and could figure against the Three Lions, said: “I wouldn’t say it cheapens the fixture at all. Every player’s mindset will be the same, we all want to win.
“Rooney’s a legend, he’s achieved so much in his career, so it’s only fitting.
“On merit, you could say he’s had such a good season in MLS that he might have got a call up anyway, if he wasn’t retired.”