Rooney misses out on England selection

Gareth Southgate announced his England squad selection today ahead of the upcoming international fixtures against Scotland and France. Captain Wayne Rooney's difficulty in breaking into Manchester United's team this season has seen him omitted from the national team, for the second time under manager Gareth Southgate. 

Rooney has won 119 caps for England, the highest of any outfield player in their history. In that time, he has also scored 53 times for The Three Lions, sitting him at the top of their all-time scoring chart. 

Speaking after the squad announcement was made, manager Southgate said "I can't dress it up any other way. Other players are in really good form and deserve to keep their place."

Rooney, now 31, made just fifteen league starts for Manchester United this season, spending the majority of the campaign on the substitutes bench. The club's highest ever scorer was also on the bench for United's Europa League final again Ajax. He entered the play just minutes before the end, which could turn out to be his last ever appearance for The Red Devils. 

Everton are said to be interested in signing Rooney this summer, which would see him return to the club where he made his name, before moving to Old Trafford in 2003.