You can imagine it's been a long summer so far for both Jack Wilshere and Wayne Rooney.Despite all his hopes about going to Russia for the World Cup, Wilshere was not selected by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate in the 23-man squad, a decision that prompted a jokingly-sent string of social media posts as the Arsenal man came to terms with the disappointment.Southgate explained that Wilshere hadn't been as effective for his club towards the end of the 2017-18 season, and went for Premier League champion Fabian Delph instead, despite the Man City man playing at left-back for the majority of the campaign.Rooney meanwhile never expected to be on the plane to Eastern Europe after retiring from international football in August 2017.After some impressive performances at the start of last season for Everton, where he netted in their first two games against Stoke City and Manchester City, Southgate revealed he was interested in recalling the countries record goalscorer back into the set-up.However Rooney swiftly announced his retirement for his nation as he looked to focus on performing for his boyhood club, where he netted 11 times in all competitions.Rooney is currently in ongoing negotiations with MLS club D.C. United about a transfer across the pond, but he found time out from this to wish the squad well for the opening group game in Volgograd against Tunisia.

"Can’t wait for kick off later and cheering the lads on. Good luck @England," tweeted Rooney.

And he was joined by the outcast Wilshere, who said; "Good luck boys, make us proud @england."

A lovely touch of class from the two midfielders, who have appeared in a combined 153 competitive games for England.

And the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson will be looking to go one better than Rooney could at international football's biggest event, as a whole nation's expectations sit on their shoulders.