Ronald Koeman believes Everton will benefit from Wayne Rooney's decision to retire from England

Toffees boss Koeman believes the Merseyside club’s involvement in the Europa League this season will place huge demands on Rooney, even without the demands of playing international football.

It will take 19 matches – half a Premier League season – for Everton to win Europe’s second tier club competition and with domestic cup competitions as well they could be facing a marathon 60-plus games this season.

Koeman insists he did not influence Rooney’s decision, insisting the player took the decision himself to ensure he is in tip-top shape to help his mission to end Everton’s 22-year trophy drought.

He said: “I think it’s a good decision for him and Everton. Wayne spoke to me about this, he had a talk with the national coach and he made his decision. He thinks it’s the best for Everton.

“I didn’t give him advice. I’m not the right person in his decision. There’s always the decision by the player and of course I respect that.

“Of course , if we reach the group stage of the Europa League there’s international duty on top, then that’s really a tough programme.

“But his fitness is really good and it’s always up to the player to decide what is best to do.

“I would have respected it if he had made a different decision. Now it means he can have some days off during the international breaks.”

Rooney has finished his England career as his country’s record goal-scorer and most capped outfield player.

He has finished six caps short of equalling goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton’s record of 125 caps but Koeman says Rooney knew it was time to call it a day.

He added: “I don’t know if he was tempted by the record. What he did for the national team was good enough.

“There is a time to come and a time to go. He made that decision.Your body is the main reason to say, ‘Stop.’”

Rooney has figured in all eight of Everton’s pre-season and competitive games since re-joining them from Manchester United and will start tonight at Hadjuk Split where Everton will defend a 2-0 first leg lead as they bid to clinch a place in the group stages.

Koeman admits progress in the competition will impact on the club’s domestic performances and agreed with Jose Mourinho that the Premier League could do more to help Europa League qualifiers with kinder fixture scheduling.

Everton played Manchester City on Monday and after flying home from tonight’s game they face a 1.30pm kick-off at Chelsea on Sunday.

“Maybe they don’t care enough for European football,” Koeman said.

“I totally agree with Jose about what happened to Manchester United last season. The same has happened to us this week.

“We know the television money decides a lot. It’s the commercial side of football and it makes it even more difficult.”