Wayne Rooney stunned Manchester City with his 200th Premier League goal at the Etihad and then set his sights on an England return.
Raheem Sterling’s late equaliser denied Everton victory after Rooney became the second player after Alan Shearer to hit a double century in the Premier League.
Both teams finished the game with 10 men after City’s new £50million defender Kyle Walker and Everton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin were both booked twice in controversial circumstances by referee Robert Madley.
Rooney, who has scored in both Premier League games since returning to Everton from Manchester united, said: ‘It was a sweet moment. I’m sure the red half of Manchester will enjoy that as well.
‘Before the game, a point would have been good, but we are a bit frustrated. We felt we could see game out, maybe get another goal but give City credit, they changed positions and made it difficult for us with some big chances.’
England manager Gareth Southgate was watching in the stands as he prepares to name his squad on Thursday for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia.
Rooney added: ‘We’ll see. I’m just focused on Everton. I’ll speak to Gareth Southgate over next few days, we’ll have a conversation and see what happens.’
Pep Guardiola was clearly unhappy with Madley’s decision to show Walker a second yellow card before half-time for barging into Dominic Calvert-Lewin, less than two minutes after booking him for a foul on Leighton Baines.
He approached fourth official Michael Oliver in the tunnel at the interval but refused to discuss the officials afterwards.
‘We had a meeting and we said we cannot speak with the referees,’ said the City boss. ‘You cannot ask. I’m not going to talk about the referees.
‘I’m sad because we wanted to start well at home. No-one can say we didn’t try but the result was not good enough.’
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