Bookmakers believe that Wayne Rooney is destined for an England recall after a bright start to the new season.

Rooney re-joined his boyhood club Everton in the summer, leaving Manchester United – where both his domestic and international career had stalled.

England boss Gareth Southgate had always made it clear that he would still consider picking the 31-year-old, and now it seems he could be again destined to play for the Three Lions.

Southgate is picking his squad his squad this week to take on Malta and Slovakia, and he is 1/4 for the recall.

His odds on making next summer’s World Cup finals in Russia have also been slashed and he is now 10/11 – having been as long as 5/1 not so long ago.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Rooney is continuing to prove he’s far from finished and he looks set to be rewarded for his recent form with another chance on the international stage.”