Wayne Rooney would answer England’s call if the country needed him to come out of international retirement at the World Cup, according to Roy Hodgson.
Ex-England boss Hodgson, whose tenure ran between 2012 and 2016 with Rooney made permanent captain in the latter years, believes the 31-year-old’s loyalty to the national team would win over if he were called upon for the tournament in Russia.
When asked if Rooney would consider returning if Southgate told him he was needed for the World Cup due to injuries, Hodgson was confident the former Manchester United star would agree to a comeback.
“I’m not a gambling man and never have been, but if I was such a person I certainly wouldn’t put any money on Wayne, in that situation, refusing to come out of retirement,” Hodgson told Sky Sports.
“If it was put to him in that way, I know how much this country does mean to him in terms of playing international football.
“One hopes for his sake and the country’s sake that situation won’t arise, but I feel sure if it came to that scenario and Gareth went to him and said, ‘We’re in a terrible mess here and we really need you, will you come out retirement?’ then I would be very surprised if Wayne didn’t say, ‘Yes’. But I don’t know, I’m second guessing.”
