Wayne Rooney is set to make his 120th and final England appearance on Nov. 15 in an international friendly against the United States, as The FA honors 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 United States at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 15 (3:00 PM kick-off).
Rooney, who joined D.C. United earlier this year and scored 12 goals and recorded 7 assists in his first 20 MLS appearances, officially retired from international duty in August 2017 as England's all-time leading goal-scorer and most capped male outfield player.
Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien, D.C. United Co-Chairman, said: "As a club, we are thrilled that Wayne will be honored by the English FA after such a historic and record-setting career for the Three Lions. Wayne has done so much for this sport and we can’t wait to have him back next season so he can continue making a major impact on soccer in the DMV and around the world."
Following this FA initiative, the Wembley crowd will 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.
The Wayne Rooney Foundation concentrates its efforts on improving the lives of disadvantaged children. Due to serious illness, poverty or abuse, many of these young people simply do not get the opportunity to dream, let alone achieve their ambitions. Fundraising initiatives around the game will allow fans to support the Foundation’s work, including donations via BT MyDonate and a Gala Dinner at Wembley Stadium in 2019.
The Foundation has supported a number of good causes close to Wayne’s heart, including: The NSPCC, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Claire House Children’s Hospice. A significant donation was also made to the young people affected by the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
Wayne 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 honor 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.
“I have been hugely impressed with the progress of this young England team. I hope that whilst I am with the squad I can pass on some of my experience. Trying to help others is a particular focus of mine now through my Foundation. I was lucky to enjoy a long and successful career with a great many people helping me to achieve my dreams. The Foundation allows me to give something back to four charities, all of whom do hugely important work.”
Gareth Southgate said: “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.
“We all look forward to the occasion and lending support to a number of good causes through the Wayne Rooney Foundation.”
Southgate will name his full squad to face USA and Croatia in the UEFA Nations League this Thursday, Nov. 8.
