Wayne Rooney: Everton striker’s focus is on club rather than country

Striker Wayne Rooney says he is “focusing on Everton” rather than an international recall after scoring his 200th Premier League goal.

Rooney, 31, netted the opener in Monday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City – his second goal in two league games.

He was overlooked for the England squad by manager Gareth Southgate for matches against Scotland and Spain in June.

Asked about a recall, Rooney said: “I’m sure I’ll speak to Southgate over the next few days, we’ll see what happens.”

Southgate is due to name a squad on Thursday for the World Cup 2018 qualifiers away at Malta, on 1 September, and home to Slovakia three days later.

Former Manchester United and England captain Rooney spent 13 years at Old Trafford, where he became the club’s top scorer with 253 goals and he is the national team’s all-time leading marksman with 53 strikes.

Having rejoined Everton this summer, Rooney has scored in both the side’s opening Premier League games against Stoke and City.

Finding the net at Etihad Stadium made him only the second player after Alan Shearer to score 200 Premier League goals. He celebrated by cupping his ears in front of the home supporters.

Rooney told Sky Sports: “It was nice. To do it today in such an important game for us, with tough games coming up, it was a sweet moment and I am sure the red half of Manchester will have enjoyed it as well.”

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