Peter Shilton accuses England of "going backwards" with Wayne Rooney recall

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 November 2018

Shilton hits out at England for Rooney recall

Peter Shilton disagrees with Wayne Rooney's inclusion in the England squad to face USA, claiming that it devalues the honour of representing the Three Lions.

England legend Peter Shilton has blasted the "completely wrong" decision for Wayne Rooney to be included in the Three Lions' latest squad.

The 33-year-old confirmed on Sunday that he is to represent his national side in this month's friendly against the United States at Wembley Stadium.

Record goalscorer Rooney will make his 120th and final appearance in England colours, almost two years to the day from his last international appearance in a 3-0 win over Scotland.

Shilton, who is England's all-time leading caps holder on 125, believes that the DC United striker's recall devalues the honour of playing for the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists.

"I was shocked when I read it and I'm still struggling to understand the decision," he told The Mirror. "It's been two years since Wayne last played, England are on a new threshold and have just had a great World Cup but are going backwards with this.

"That's not to say that Wayne does not deserve a tribute but give him a presentation, don't just give caps away which is wrong and also denies a young player a chance as well.

"I don't agree with it at all. It should be the greatest honour and reward playing for your country but the reality is that the MLS is nowhere near the same level as the Premier League.

"Wayne Rooney finished with England, Gareth Southgate moved on and I don't agree with this at all. To actually give him a game in what is a proper England international is completely wrong, in my opinion."

Rooney has revived his career in Major League Soccer since joining DC United from Everton, bagging 12 goals in 20 outings.