Callum Wilson & Wayne Rooney called up by England for USA game



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Rooney deserves best possible send off – Southgate

Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson has received his first senior international call-up for England’s games against the United States and Croatia.

Former England captain and record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has been included for the US friendly only.

Everton centre-back Michael Keane is recalled to the squad for the first time in a year.

England play the US on Thursday, 15 November before hosting Croatia in the Nations League the following Sunday.

Midfielders Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard return after missing the last round of internationals through injury, with Mason Mount and James Maddison dropping out of the squad.

Winger Jadon Sancho, 18, retains his place, while uncapped trio – Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk, Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy – have been called-up again.

Rooney, 33, will win his 120th and final England cap as he comes out of international retirement for the game against the US at Wembley which will raise money for the Wayne Rooney Foundation.

Callum Wilson has scored six goals in the Premier League this season

The DC United forward, who has scored 53 international goals and made his last international appearance in a 3-0 victory over Scotland in November 2016, will be used as a second-half substitute.

England boss Gareth Southgate said discussions about paying tribute to Rooney started 12 months ago and the player declined the opportunity to be honoured before the World Cup.

“I am still able to look to the future with the squad we’ve picked, but we’ve talked a lot about the history of the shirt,” he said. “I think all the players respect Wayne’s contribution and that he deserves the best possible send-off.”

Former England Under-21s striker Wilson has been rewarded for his form this season, scoring six Premier League goals.

“He’s a threat in terms of running in behind defences,” said Southgate. He’s been involved with either scoring or assists, with a high number of goals this season, so it’s a good opportunity for us to have a look at him and see how he fits into what we do, and for him to get a feel of working with the senior team.”

Rooney played for Everton and Manchester United in the Premier League

Is Rooney’s return devaluing England caps?

England’s record appearance-maker is former keeper Peter Shilton, with 125 appearances for his country.

He said caps should not be “given out like gifts” and that he was “surprised” Southgate had allowed Rooney’s inclusion.

“The value of caps is very difficult to be precise on,” said Southgate.

“You can come on with two minutes to go because you need a change – I’ve played when we’ve changed the whole team at half-time.

“I hope Wayne gets the appropriate response, because he’s been a tremendous servant.

“We’re a strange country in that we bemoan the fact we haven’t achieved as much as we like, and then we have a player who should be held in the highest regard and we’re justifying including him.

“I’m sure the crowd will give him the treatment he deserves.”

England squad in full: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Dele Alli (Tottenham), Ross Barkley (Chelsea), Marcus Bettinelli (Fulham), Jack Butland (Stoke City), Ben Chilwell (Leicester City), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Lewis Dunk (Brighton ), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Michael Keane (Everton), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Alex McCarthy (Southampton), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Wayne Rooney (DC United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal), Callum Wilson (Bournemouth), Harry Winks (Tottenham).

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