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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

The Wayne Rooney debate: Should England’s all-time leading goalscorer play against USA?

Wayne Rooney's return to the England squad for one last game has caused much debate within the football community.

The Three Lions' all-time leading goalscorer, who retired from international football in August 2017, is set to win his 120th cap on Thursday when England take on the USA in a friendly game at Wembley.

However, the decision has been met with criticism from some former England players such as Peter Shilton, who have aired their concerns about Rooney's farewell appearance potentially de-valuing the importance and prestige of an international cap - just days before a Uefa Nations League game against Croatia.

It is an idea that was rejected by England manager Gareth Soutgate while Rooney himself said: "Whether people agree with it or not, it’s something that’s happening."

So, should England's all-time leading goalscorer play against the USA?

Watch the video above as Standard Sport's Vaishali Bhardwaj speaks to Chief Football Correspondent James Olley and former Everton Academy Director Ray Hall about Rooney's return...

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