Wayne Rooney retires from international football

Former England international Gary Lineker has described Rooney as one of Britains top 10 ever players.

Wayne Rooney is Englands all-time leading goalscorer.

Rooney came to international prominence when he made his major tournament debut as an 18-year-old at Euro 2004, though he broke a bone in his foot in the quarterfinals against Portugal.

The 31-year-old Rooney, who scored his 200th Premier League goal on Monday in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City, has netted in both of Evertons league games in a promising start to the season for the Merseyside club.

Hopefully the exciting players Gareth is bringing through can take that ambition further and I hope everyone will get behind the team.

Wayne Rooney retires from the England football team

Leaving Manchester United was a tough call but I know I made the right decision in coming home to Everton, said Rooney, who scored 53 times in 119 games for England, in a statement on his website.

Updated 1244 GMT (2044 HKT) August 23, 2017

Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring for Everton against Manchester City.

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(CNN)Rejuvenated after his return to boyhood club Everton, Wayne Rooney has called time on his international career with England.

Now I want to focus all my energies on helping them be successful.

He returned to boyhood club Everton before the start of the season

However, England has historically struggled at international level — the country last won the world Cup in 1966 — and Rooney was unable to change that dynamic.

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Rooney is Englands all-time leading goalscorer

Rooney began his career with Everton, before joining United in 2004. He made his return to Everton in the summer transfer window having becoming sidelined at Old Trafford.

I will always remain a passionate England fan, added Rooney. One of my very few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England tournament side.