England manager Gareth Southgate says 'the door is open' for Wayne Rooney to return despite his international retirement

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England manager Gareth Southgate insists the door is open for Wayne Rooney to return to the England fold despite the striker's international retirement.

Rooney, England's most-capped outfield player and highest goal scorer, brought an end to an international career spanning 13 years on Wednesday.

It came after Southgate made contact to offer Rooney a return to the senior squad after having previously dropped him from the set-up earlier in the year. However, after two goals in two Premier League games since leaving Manchester United for Everton, Southgate wanted Rooney to return.

England manager Gareth Southgate insists the door is open for Wayne Rooney to return

Southgate offered Rooney a return to the senior squad after having previously dropped him

Rooney, England's highest goal scorer, brought an end to an international career after 13 years

'You have to ask him that question,' Southgate said, when asked if Rooney could yet do a u-turn. 'I have always said the door is open. You can see he is playing well and in a good frame of mind. I don't see why I'd shut the door.'

Southgate explained that Rooney's loyalty to Everton led the striker to make the decision, and said: 'Wayne appreciated me calling but after thinking long and hard about the decision, he had decided retirement. 

'We spoke for half-an-hour. I wanted to prod and see whether he had thought at length and understood the ramifications. I could see his reasoning, moving to Everton, fresh opportunities, the sense of loyalty to the club for what they have invested. I was definitely thinking of including him, his form has been excellent. But I understand his rationale.'

Southgate explained that Rooney's loyalty to Everton led the striker to make the decision

Southgate also insisted that Rooney should be considered a legend after thirteen years of service to the national team.

'What I would say is if you are the most capped and the record goal scorer, what else do you need to be to be considered a legend? I congratulate him on a fantastic international career.'

'The only other thing he could do is win something. Therefore only the guys who won in 1966 are elevated to that status. He has represented his country with pride, kept coming back after criticism. 

'He accepted my decisions with incredible humility. He has been a pleasure to work with. I'm sure at some point he could still be involved with England.'

 Southgate also praised Nathaniel Chalobah after giving the midfielder his first senior call-up

Leicester City centre-back Harry Maguire is also named in the squad for the first time

Southgate also praised Leicester centre-back Harry Maguire and Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah after the pair received their first senior call-ups. Chalobah has made 96 appearances in the England youth set-up in different categories.

Southgate added: 'I thought Harry's performances for Hull were very good. He is very comfortable with the ball which helps at international level. He plays with great composure, can defend the ball in the box and has adapted well at Leicester. We were looking at him at end of last season.'

'Nathaniel has started very well at Watford and although he is young and maybe lacks Premier League experience, he is tactically smart and we know him very well. He has leadership skills. It is a great opportunity for him and well deserved for his commitment to England throughout.'