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Wayne Rooney deserves England send-off, says Lukas Podolski

Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring his 50th England goal
Image: England captain Wayne Rooney is currently facing an uncertain international future

Lukas Podolski believes Wayne Rooney deserves a warm Wembley send-off when his England days come to an end.

Podolski retired from Germany duty after Euro 2016 but was summoned back for a final lap of honour in Wednesday's Three Lions friendly, obliging his adoring public with a brilliant 25-yard winner on his 130th appearance.

At 31, Rooney is the same age as Podolski and his international career is also winding down after 119 caps and a record 53 goals.

He revealed plans to retire from internationals following after the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but since Gareth Southgate took over as manager, he has found his captaincy and place in the squad under scrutiny and neither are now guaranteed.

Gareth Southgate and Wayne Rooney earlier this season
Image: Southgate suggested earlier this week that Rooney needs to be playing more regularly for Manchester United

Southgate did not select him for the friendly with Germany or Sunday's World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania, revealing his lack of playing time at Manchester United, and competition from younger legs, were the reasons rather than injury.

Whether England would offer, or Rooney accept, the kind of emotional farewell the German Football Association handed out in Dortmund is hypothetical at present but Podolski is convinced the Manchester United man would warrant such a gesture.

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"Of course, I hope so, because he is one of the greatest in England," he said.

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"I don't know if it's traditional in England to give someone a farewell game, but when I am England boss or the president I will say 'Wayne, next week you've got a game!"

Wayne Rooney has already broken Sir Bobby Charlton's goal-scoring record for England
Image: Rooney has already broken Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record for England and has netted 53 times for his country

"My last game, against a good team in a very nice stadium, I scored a goal and it was 1-0. It's like a movie. Of course, it was the perfect end."

Southgate did not address Rooney's position directly but did ponder the possible value of an occasion such as the one in honour of Podolski.

Lukas Podolski celebrates scoring against England
Image: Podolski celebrates scoring the winner against England on his final appearance for Germany

"I think people recognise those who have made 100 caps, we have always given presentations for that, and people acknowledge the contribution they've made," he said.

"What we haven't done, which maybe some other countries do, is evenings like this. I played in a game in Portugal where Luis Figo had a similar thing, but you can't always predict when the end is coming for people."

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