Rooney to make England return in WC qualifier against Scotland

England captain Wayne Rooney will return to the starting line-up in his country's World Cup qualifier clash against Scotland on Friday, interim manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed.

The 31-year-old was dropped from the England side against Slovenia last month after losing his place from the Manchester United starting XI during the side's 4-1 win over reigning Premier League champions Leicester City.

Rooney, however, recently produced an impressive display in United's 3-1 win over Swansea City in the Premier League.

Reflecting on Rooney's inclusion in the England squad, Southgate said that the United player is in better place at the moment than he was in the last outings in terms of sharpness.

"I think he's an experienced player for a game like this, there was no hesitation from me in selecting him. He's playing well for Manchester United, I think he's a player who it helps when he gets into a rhythm," Southgate was quoted as saying by goal.com.

England are currently standing top of Group F table after three matches, but are only three points above fourth-placed Scotland.