London: Wayne Rooney labelled his 200th Premier League goal in Everton’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City a “sweet moment” and had the British media purring and suggesting yesterday he be recalled to the England squad.
“Blue Roon” was the Daily Mirror’s headline while the Sun went with “Long May He Wayne” after Rooney joined former England and Newcastle great Alan Shearer as the only players to have reached the Premier League landmark.
“Plenty of life left in old dog Roo” said the Sun who complimented Everton manager Ronald Koeman on his punt in signing the 31-year-old from Manchester United.
Rooney sparkled against City showing a hunger, zest and alertness for the club that nurtured his formidable talent as a teenager in stark contrast to his displays under Jose Mourinho at United last season.
“His last season at Old Trafford suggested this was a player well into decline and Everton were making a romantic gesture that could backfire,” the Sun said.
“Two games into the new season he has scored the winner in one and last night very nearly grabbed another... perhaps that dream of bowing out next summer in the World Cup is not just that,” it added.
The Mirror said Rooney, whose 35th-minute goal went through City ‘keeper Ederson’s legs before Raheem Sterling’s equalised after the break, looked like he could inspire Everton to better things.
“This was all about Rooney’s renaissance... at 31, Rooney was an eye-catching signing, something of a risk.
“But the energy is still there.
“And it will propel Everton forward.”
- ‘May burn bright then fade’ -
The Daily Telegraph said Rooney had an England recall “in his sights”.
The paper says Rooney’s impeccable first touch and passing master class as well as his positional sense could serve his talented but inconsistent teammate Ross Barkley well.
“If the absent Ross Barkley (he is injured) had just an ounce of Rooney’s football intelligence he would be a world beater,” it remarked.
However, on his chances of an England recall it said Southgate faced a dilemma.
