Wayne Rooney chose the right time to retire from England duty: Sportsmail's three wise men explain why

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Wayne Rooney split opinion when he decided to call time on his England career.

On the one hand, he has a new career with Everton and tired legs to manage but, on the other, his experience could have been valuable to Gareth Southgate's young squad ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Here, Sportsmail's three wise men, CHRIS SUTTON, JAMIE REDKNAPP AND MARTIN KEOWN, explain why it's the right time for Rooney to hang up his international boots.

Wayne Rooney ended his England career on Wednesday when he announced his retirement

CHRIS SUTTON

I would not be surprised if Wayne Rooney's fast start to life at Everton has influenced his decision to call time on a fantastic England career.

He has hit the ground running at Goodison Park, scoring in each of his first two games, and is looking hungrier and more refreshed than I have seen him in years.

Rooney is enjoying his football once more, so why would he want to put himself under the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being part of the England set-up?

You cannot get away from the fact that Rooney has been a great player for club and country. He deserves to enjoy his last hurrah at Everton to the full.

Gareth Southgate wanted to recall him to the squad for the games against Malta and Slovakia

Rooney is handed a gold boot by Sir Bobby Charlton after breaking the all-time scoring record

Gareth Southgate may have wanted Rooney in his latest squad but I cannot see where he fits into this team. He has not been first choice in any position for at least a year now.

Harry Kane is a far more effective No 9 and Rooney would not play ahead of Dele Alli at No 10.

Rooney is someone who just wants to play. Having spent last season as a bit-part player at Manchester United, he will not want to do that with England. By making the decision now, he ends the speculation and allows the current crop to thrive.

International retirement will also give Rooney more time to rest and recuperate between Premier League games and that will be to Everton's gain.

Once you hit 30 you have to take things season by season, especially as a forward. You lack that burst to create space at the top of the pitch.

Rooney is 32 in October and if he wants to carry on playing at the top level, he needs to look after himself.

Plenty questioned how much of an impact Rooney could make at Everton but he has already shown he is still an influential, intelligent footballer. Ronald Koeman has shown him total faith and this decision shows Rooney's commitment to his manager.

Rooney is 32 soon and needs to look after himself if he wants to stay at the top level

JAMIE REDKNAPP

Wayne Rooney has chosen the perfect moment to bow out. After scoring two in two for Everton, he is flying high and has been able to retire on his own terms.

I thought it was the end for Rooney and England when he joined a wedding party at the team hotel following the victory over Scotland last year.

He was no longer a guaranteed starter, was benched at Manchester United and faced speculation over his future.

But the return to Everton has revived him and rather than being frozen out of the England set-up, Rooney has been able to take a decision that allows him to preserve the last few years of his career. He could not have timed it better.

The decision suits everyone. Rooney has said that Gareth Southgate wanted to include him against Malta and Slovakia but I am sure, deep down, he knows the decision has lifted a great deal of pressure from his shoulders.

At squad announcements, Southgate will no longer have to field questions on Rooney's future. It allows him to focus on the players who will represent England at the next few tournaments.

Every England player since 1966 will have regrets about World Cups and Euros and Rooney will be no different.

After the way he burst on to the scene at Euro 2004, of course there will be disappointment that he didn't win a trophy with that talented team.

Rooney has always had to carry an extra burden. People have demanded that little bit more from him because of his immense ability. But he is our record goalscorer and most-capped outfield player. He can look back on his England career with a huge amount of pride.

After scoring two in two for Everton, Rooney has been able to retire on his own terms

MARTIN KEOWN

I can understand why Wayne Rooney has decided to retire now rather than try to play at one more World Cup.

England's big players tend to carry the can for how the team perform at major tournaments. If Rooney did make the squad for Russia, why would he want to put himself under that strain again?

With the announcement, Rooney has been able to call the shots and go out gracefully.

I heard him say the other night that he was going to have talks with Gareth Southgate. I am sure Rooney has been planning this regardless of how he started the season with Everton.

I'm not surprised he discussed this decision with Ronald Koeman, his manager at Goodison Park. When you feel you are coming towards the end, something has to give.

Rooney's England career spanned 14 years, starting with a friendly defeat by Australia in 2003

Ronald Koeman would have lent Rooney some good advice before his final decision was made

I would not have it when it was argued last season that Rooney could no longer perform at the highest level and people were saying the forward had too many miles on the clock.

It was more a question of his desire and this season, football seems fun for Rooney once again. There is so much he can still offer Everton.

Now he has achieved the remarkable feats of becoming the record goalscorer for both England and Manchester United, Rooney can make the right decisions to extend his career for as long as possible.

There is a downside for England to Rooney's decision. Southgate loses an experienced player in a squad that contains several young players.

But it is difficult to see where he fits into this team.

The debate over whether Rooney is good enough for England ended with his announcement. We should celebrate his international career and look forward to the new chapter he is about to write.