Interim Coach of England, Southgate, took the bold decision to drop the country's record goalscorer for last month's draw in Slovenia but confirmed he would return to captain the side in Friday's British derby against Scotland.
The match at Wembley is a notable one for many reasons, from its historical context as international football's oldest fixture to its importance on both sides' World Cup qualifying hopes.
But despite his best attempts to deflect the spotlight it could also be a defining moment for Southgate, whose short-term deal expires after next week's friendly with Spain.
As a calling card, a convincing defeat of England's neighbours and top spot in Group F would be a handy one for the 46-year-old to have at his disposal when discussions over the permanent post reopen.
Recalling Rooney was a decision made easier by the absence through injury of Dele Alli and, although the vacant number 10 role seems the most natural fit, he can be used in a deeper midfield role or as a centre forward.
Wherever he is deployed, Southgate has been happy simply to see the 31-year-old back in Manchester United's starting line-up in recent weeks and pressing his case.
"There was no hesitation from my point of view in playing him," said Southgate.
"He's in a better place than he was for the last get-together in terms of his sharpness, his confidence.
"'I think experience in a game like this is important. With a team that has a lot of energy and potential you also need a lot of experience in there too.
"He's playing well. He's played well in his last couple of matches for Manchester United. He's a player who when he's in a rhythm of playing that helps."
Rooney's days as a first-choice central striker appear to be largely in the past and that job is one earmarked for Harry Kane, providing he is fully fit.
The Tottenham man made his return after seven weeks of ankle problems against Arsenal on Sunday but, after being monitored by medical staff at the start of the week, he appears to have a green light to face Scotland.
Southgate declared he had an entire squad to choose from, although the imminent birth of Theo Walcott's second child may prove a potential dilemma.
Preparations for the game have, understandably, been dominated by nostalgia.
Since the inaugural outing in 1872, the teams have played on 112 occasions and the sporting rivalry between the nations shows no sign of dissipating.
Although there have been friendlies in 2013 and 2014, both won by England, the teams have not played competitively for 17 years when the Three Lions edged a two-legged play-off for Euro 2000.
Before that came Euro 96, and Paul Gascoigne's unforgettable finish in a 2-0 Wembley win.
Southgate played in that, and the Scottish win three years later, and nodded to the past by showing the squad a compilation of the fixture's most memorable moments on their first evening at St George's Park.
Yet he is keen for them not to get caught up in the past and instead urged his players to set about creating their own legacy.
"Every time you play for England you've got a chance to make a bit of history, to be involved in a game people might remember for years to come," he said.
"It's about making their own history, not what's gone before.
"We haven't flogged the history of the fixture, we've made people aware of it. We've used it as a reminder of playing for your country and the honour these guys have.
"It's good to acknowledge the past and have an understanding of the past but we're building a team here and this is a young team that will get stronger and stronger."
Southgate was, inevitably, pressed on his long-term designs for the job.
He has yet to even publicly confirm he wants to be considered, admirably distancing his personal interests from the task at hand.
"The game's not about me. I've heard people say before football is about people who play and people who pay, I think that's about right," was his latest offering on the subject.
There are moments when the veneer appears to crack just a fraction, though, and Southgate seems to speak like a man with a vision that extends beyond Tuesday's friendly with Spain.
"It's important that the team has an identity and the more we work together we can work towards what we feel that should look like," he said.
"That's very important. The more we have an 'England way' the easier it is for the players to adapt.
"We're building a team here and this is a young team that will get stronger and stronger.
"Without any shadow of doubt games like tomorrow are the reason I'm involved in the game.
"That's the beauty of football, to be involved in big matches. I've been involved in big matches, not as many as I'd like as a player, but if you've got the drive and desire you always want more."
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