Football news - Wayne Rooney to make sensational England return against USA

The Sun On Sunday exclusively revealed that Gareth Southgate and the FA have been planning how to pay tribute to the country’s all-time leading goalscorer since he announced his retirement more than 14 months ago.

This month’s international friendly with USA offers the perfect opportunity for Rooney to make a one-off return in the fund-raising game at Wembley, and the FA have now confirmed that Southgate will include him in his forthcoming squad.

The DC United striker has been in excellent club form in MLS, scoring 12 goals to help them reach the play-offs, and he is set to earn his 120th and final England cap in a match that will raise funds in support of his own charity, the Wayne Rooney Foundation.

Rooney said: “I am truly humbled and hugely excited to play for England at Wembley again. I would like to thank Gareth Southgate and The FA for inviting me back and helping to support my Foundation in the process.

“I have been hugely impressed with the progress of this young England team. I hope that whilst I am with the squad I can pass on some of my experience. Trying to help others is a particular focus of mine now through my Foundation. I was lucky to enjoy a long and successful career with a great many people helping me to achieve my dreams.

"The Foundation allows me to give something back to four charities, all of whom do hugely important work.”

Rooney has scored 53 goals in 119 appearances for England, and it is likely he will come off the substitutes’ bench for his farewell appearance.

The 33-year-old - who is second on the all-time list of appearances, six behind Peter Shilton's record of 125 - last appeared for England in the 3-0 win against Scotland in November 2016.

The player’s rich vein of form, alongside his popularity among England supporters and the feeling of progress made under Southgate, have helped the FA with the decision.

Rooney will be keen to go out on a high against his adopted country having missed a penalty in DC United's shootout defeat to Columbus Crew in the first round of the play-offs on Thursday night.