Wayne Rooney stands by England decision

Everton striker Wayne Rooney insists he will not change his mind after retiring from international duty last month, but he admits he would like to manage the national team one day.

Current England coach Gareth Southgate has told Rooney he can return to the fold in the future after Rooney decided to call it a day last month.

After missing out on a place in the last squad, Rooney is now focused on his club career despite calls for him to rethink his decision.

The 31-year-old is back with his boyhood club after leaving Manchester United but he insists there will be no playing return with England.

He told talkSPORT: “My mind is made up. I have seen it a few times where players have come out of retirement and gone to tournaments and it’s not right.

“The lads who are trying to qualify for Russia will be the players that deserve to play in the tournament. So my decision has been made.”

However, England’s record goalscorer insists he would like to coach the national team. When asked about the prospect, he said: “England manager – you never know. I wouldn’t say no!”

“I’d love to go into management. I’m doing my badges now and I think it would be a waste to have the knowledge I’ve picked up over the years to not have a go at it.”

Rooney will be watching on Monday as England host Slovakia at Wembley in their latest World Cup Qualifier.

With Rooney out of the equation, Harry Kane is expected to lead the line again and is priced at 1.75 to score anytime.