Wayne Rooney may be playing his domestic football on the other side on the Atlantic Ocean now but he's still a man who makes the headlines in England. The 33 year-old has looked a rejuvenated character since departing the Premier League for MLS outfit DC United and his superb performances have been rewarded with a return to the England squad. The former Three Lions captain is set to make a substitute appearance in a 'farewell' game against the USA at Wembley on 15th November in what will be his final and 120th cap for the national team. It's a gesture that The FA have had planned for some time but now it's been announced it's a decision that they're taking a fair bit of flack for.
There's been conflicting reports on how much prominent a role Rooney will play at the national stadium but many fans and critics have voiced their opinion on the matter - with many saying that caps just can't be handed out willy nilly. The England team appears to be in its healthiest state for some time now and there are concerns that it could potentially upset what is a closely knit dressing room - which has led to The FA reviewing the situation. Rooney was set to play a key role in the game but concerns from the governing body have led to them subduing it slightly, with him now set for an appearance off the bench.
Not only would this be a farewell game for England's greatest ever goalscorer but it's also going to raise for the Wayne Rooney Foundation, with the estimated number being around the £500k mark which is absolutely fantastic. So it seems strange that people would have an issue with him returning to the first team fold right?
It's not all bad news surrounding his return as many have leapt out in his defence which includes Lionesses boss and former England & Manchester United teammate Phil Neville. He's known Rooney for a long time and witnessed his development first hand, so he firmly believes he's fully deserving of a return to the team for one more game and believes them criticising him have a lot to answer for.
See what he had to say below: (Courtesy of @BBCMOTD)