Soccer

Wayne Rooney to stop playing for England after 2018 World Cup

England captain Wayne Rooney says he will retire from international soccer after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Striker currently tied with David Beckham at 115 international appearances

Wayne Rooney, pictured here during the 2016 European Championship, announced he will retire from England's national team after the 2018 World Cup. (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

England captain Wayne Rooney says he will retire from international soccer after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Rooney says "my mind is made up ... Russia will be my last tournament."

The Manchester United striker will be aged 32 by the time the World Cup comes around. He is currently tied with David Beckham as the most-capped England outfield player of all time, on 115 appearances.

Speaking on Tuesday ahead Sunday's match against Slovakia — the first game of England's World Cup qualifying campaign — Rooney said, "realistically I know myself that Russia will be my last opportunity to do anything with England. Hopefully, I can end my time with England on a high."

Rooney has been England's captain since 2014, and will keep the armband under new coach Sam Allardyce.