PFA Chief Executive, Gordon Taylor OBE has paid tribute to Wayne Rooney who will make an honorary appearance as captain and receive a final cap for England as they take on the USA at Wembley tonight.
As well as being made captain by manager Gareth Southgate, Rooney will be given the number 10 shirt and receive a guard of honour.
Rooney retired from international football in 2017 but has been invited back into the national squad to commemorate his achievements and win his 120th cap.
The 33-year-old will be celebrated as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer and as the outfield player with the most caps.
The former Manchester United and Everton player ended his international career with a record 53 goals and 119 appearances. He currently plays in the USA for DC United.
Gordon Taylor was full of praise for Wayne Rooney's achievements ahead of the game: “On behalf of all at the PFA, a big thank you for your contribution to football both at club level and international level... which has been top class!
“You’ve shown your skill and dedication for so many years and broken so many records along the way, not forgetting the work done by your charity foundation for a range of good causes.
“You deserve the very best of thanks from supporters and all the football family, as an England record breaker and one of the finest members of the PFA.”
Although not in the starting line-up, Rooney will receive the captain’s armband when he comes on as a substitute in the second half. Fabian Delph will start the match as captain.
The match has been named the ‘Wayne Rooney Foundation International’ with money raised from collections going to Rooney's charity, the Wayne Rooney Foundation.
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