England Boss Doubts Wayne Rooney's International Prospects

England manager Gareth Southgate is unsure whether Wayne Rooney will earn another cap with the Three Lions following his recent snub.


The Manchester United striker has been restricted to gametime under Jose Mourinho, and it was not until the final month of the season, did he earn a regular run in the starting line-up.Rooney currently has two years left on his United contract, and it is widely suggested that he may have to move on in order to better his prospects of making the World Cup squad. Following the announcement of the recent squad, Southgate admitted that he does not know if Rooney will wear the Three Lions again in his playing career.

"It's impossible to say. Like every other player, form will dictate that. I certainly don't rule it out because a player of his quality and experience, you hope will reach the levels we know he can and be a big part of England's future," he is quoted as saying on The Express. "I'm mindful of being respectful of what he's done, so I don't like talking about him in the past tense."

Rooney, who has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Old Trafford, is said to be a top target for former club Everton, and a return to Merseyside could be the sole route reviving his England prospects. The Chinese Super League is another potential destination for the United skipper, but this could once and for all end his ambitions of representing his nation at the World Cup next year.

Jermain Defoe is an example of a player who has worked hard with recently-relegated Sunderland, and Rooney should take the positives by linking up with a fellow English club where he would be assured of a regular run during the 2017/18 season. Despite a frustrating campaign last term, Rooney was awarded a cameo appearance in the Europa League triumph over Ajax last month.