Will Rooney retire as England’s most capped player?

Wayne Rooney is set to make just eight more international appearances for England before finishing his international career on 126 caps, according to Sporting Index. 

The spread betting firm believes that the 30-year-old Manchester United star will surpass Peter Shilton to become the Three Lions most capped player, but will miss out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia – providing England qualify.

England have nine remaining World Cup qualification fixtures, in addition to a number of likely warm-up games, and Sporting Index believe Wazza will not be on the plane to Russia.

After dropping deep into manager Gareth Southgate’s midfield, and then deeper still to the bench, traders at Sporting Index predict Rooney will add only two more goals to his current England tally of 53 before handing up his international boots.

Ed Fulton, Trading Spokesman for Sporting Index, said: “Wayne Rooney is in a tough spot for both club and country at the moment. Adapting to his new midfield role proved tricky against Malta and many fans were relieved to see him on the bench against Slovenia.

“Yet the rest of the side didn’t exactly set the world alight on Tuesday so there is still time for Rooney to gather the caps he needs to best Peter Shilton’s record. However, the World Cup in Russia may be a tournament too far.”