Rooney has looked rejuvenated since returning to Everton, the club that nurtured his talent when he was a teenager, after becoming an unhappy-looking peripheral figure at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho.

The 31-year-old has scored in both his league appearances for Everton — including Monday’s against Manchester City when he joined Alan Shearer as the only players to score 200 Premier League goals — and has garnered support for a recall to the England squad which will be named on Thursday.

Lineker — who also starred for both Everton and England — said Rooney should figure among the top 10 in British football’s hall of fame.

«He probably is,» Lineker said, referring to whether Rooney is under-appreciated.

«He’d be (one of Britain’s) top 10 ever — he’s had a marvellous career.

«He’s been a great player for English football.»