All-time leading scorer Wazza bows out at Wembley

WAYNE Rooney will cherish his final England appearance but revealed it was perhaps a blessing in disguise he did not add to his recordbreaking goals haul.

The former England captain, also the most capped outfield player, brought the curtain down on a distinguished international career with a substitute’s appearance in the 3-0 friendly victory over the United States at Wembley.

However, his 120th cap – a send-off which doubled as a fundraiser for his charity – was unpopular in some quarters, with some seeing the appearance as an unnecessary novelty.

Rooney went close to bagging a recordextending 54th England goal but was denied by Brad Guzan. The 33-year-old told Sky Sports: “If I did score it would’ve opened another debate over whether that goal should count or not. In some ways it’s better it didn’t go in.

“I think it’s great the country, the FA, are celebrating players who have left their mark for England. It was a great touch for me personally.”

There was to be no fairytale farewell goal for Rooney, but he was first to celebrate with Callum Wilson after the debutant scored the third on a night that saw the DC United forward impress against the country he now calls home.

He said: “It went as I imagined it. The players have been great, seeing how they’re working and I’m improving.

“It’s been great for me. I want to thank the FA and Gareth for giving me this opportunity, and the players.”