Wayne Rooney has retired from international football, despite being wanted to continue by England boss Gareth Southgate, in effectively a 180 degree reversal from three months ago.
The Three Lions’ all-time leading scorer has decided to focus on his club career with Everton, in a rare example of an England-related decision making absolute total sense.
However, at Paddy Power we’re not convinced. We’re offering odds of just 2/1 that Wazza ends up Roo-ing that decision, and playing for his nation again.
With that in mind, we also make it 5/1 that Rooney is part of Southgate’s World Cup squad for Russia 2018. God forbid.
He’s 10/1 to follow suit and retire from club football before the end of his Everton contract, and 20/1 to manage England in the next twenty years.
In terms of who’ll inherit Rooney’s armband, Harry Kane at 11/10 is the leading contender – with Chelsea captain Gary Cahill and Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson some way behind (7/2).
Asked in Las Vegas about Wazza’s retirement spokesman Paddy Power said: “Will Wayne Roo his decision to walk out on England? Maybe, though I’m not sure the feeling would be mutual.
“His career has been a hell of a story, and what better ending than a triumphant Roo-turn with the Three Lions in Russia?
“And, by triumphant, I mean a first knock-out round departure on penalties.”
ROONEY SPECIALS2/1 Rooney to play for England again
5/1 Rooney to be part of England’s WC2018 squad
10/1 To retire from club football before end of Everton contract
20/1 To be appointed permanent England manager in next 20 years
11/10 Kane
7/2 Cahill
7/2 Henderson
14/1 Smalling
16/1 Hart
50/1 Alli