Rooney to retire from international football after 2018 World Cup

“Realistically, I know myself that Russia will be my last opportunity to do anything with England,” Rooney told a press conference at St George’s Park in Burton, central England. 

“My mind is made up. Russia will be my last tournament,” Rooney said. New England manager Sam Allardyce announced on Monday that Rooney, 30, will be kept on as captain for the World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in Slovakia on Sunday. 

England crashed out in the group phase at the last World Cup in Brazil two years ago and, with Rooney as captain, were humiliated by minnows Iceland in the last at Euro 2016. “Hopefully I can end my time with England on a high,” Rooney said. 

“I said before the Euros, I enjoyed playing in this team, and that’s the case still. “There were some questions about whether I should stop playing (for England), but I am looking forward to getting back on the pitch.”