Punters stung as Wayne Rooney quits international football

After beginning the season in fine style and looking as fit as ever back in the blue of Everton, Wayne Rooney has shocked fans, punters and Bookmakers alike by calling time on his England career, according odds specialist OddsMonkey.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is announcing his squad for the latest World Cup qualifiers with Malta and Slovakia on Thursday and he was ready to recall the 31-year-old – England’s all-time leading goalscorer – after leaving him out towards the end of last season.

However, Rooney – who left Manchester United in the summer to return to Everton – has revealed he is no longer available for selection after officially retiring from international duty, as he wants to concentrate on playing for his beloved Toffees.

But punters especially have been stung by Rooney’s announcement according to OddsMonkey.

“You only have to look at the prices as late as Wednesday morning, he was 1/10 to play for England again and 5/4 to make the World Cup squad next summer,” explained OddsMonkey spokesman Ricky Pedley.

“He has started the season so well, it seemed the natural conclusion that Southgate would recall him and Bookmakers reacted in that way and have been cutting his odds constantly when it comes to England, so it is a real shock to everyone this decision has come like this.

“But there are still plenty of other markets to look at – perhaps the 20/1 to beat Alan Shearer’s Premier League record of 260 goals is something he will now focus on, after he broke the 200-mark at Manchester City on Monday.

“He is also Evens to get 12 goals or more in the Premier League this season, which seems very good value to us.”