The D.C. United
forward, who retired from international duty in August 2017 and is
England's all-time record scorer (50 goals), will win his 120th
and final cap for the Three Lions.
On the 33-year-old's
inclusion Southgate said, "There have been ongoing discussions
since Wayne retired about paying tribute to him and his England
career.
"We will paying
tribute to a player who deserves the right send off, I think all the
players would respect that Wayne's contribution deserves the best
possible send-off."
The news Rooney would
be coming out of retirement was met with criticism from England's
most capped player Peter Shilton, who tweeted:
I don’t agree with giving Wayne Rooney a cap against USA caps should be given on merit! Honour him by a presentation on the pitch and let the youngsters do the job!— Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) November 5, 2018
While the former West
Ham and Birmingham manager Harry Redknapp claimed Rooney's appearance
would turn the game into a "circus".
However current England
captain, Harry Kane, welcomed Rooney's return saying "it's the send
off he deserves".
Rooney was the
embodiment of a England player, he gave his all for his country
during 13 years representing his country.
He hardly missed a game
for England and even clashed with his Manchester United manager, Sir
Alex Ferguson, when the Scot tried to prevent him from going to
the 2006 World Cup after breaking his metatarsal three months before
the tournament.
Having Rooney in the
squad will give the likes of Callum Wilson, who is earning his first
cap, the chance learn from one of England's greatest players.
Studying Rooney will
help the players around him, and being in the presents of a winner
like him can only boost team moral.
Major League Soccer is
not the most competitive league in the world but Rooney dragged D.C.
United from the relegation zone to the play-off, scoring 12 goals
along the way.
He was also Everton's
top scorer last season, so he still has plenty to offer his England
colleagues.
Some fans are to young
to remember Rooney's brilliant displays at Euro 2004 so this could be
there last chance to see a living legend in the flesh and give him
the rapturous applause he deserves.
Rooney's inclusion will
also help with ticket sales, the match as been renamed 'The Wayne
Rooney Foundation International', and all proceeds will go to his
charity.
The Foundation supports
disadvantaged and vulnerable children and Rooney started it to
"inspire and improve the lives of children and young people".
The game is being held
for a very good cause, people arguing Rooney is taking somebody's
place in the squad need to look at the bigger picture.
Everything Rooney is
doing gives meaning to an otherwise meaningless friendly, Southgate
claimed he wanted to make former players “feel part of things”
and this is the prefect opportunity to do just that.
The Netherlands gave
Wesley Sneijder a sendoff after he retired from International duty in
September, Germany did the same for Lukas Podolski in March 2017 so
why shouldn't Rooney be allowed the same honour?
To whet your appetite for Rooney's return, below are his greatest goal's at Wembley for England:
