FAB: GIVE ROO ARMBAND? I’D RATHER NOT

USA: Guzan, Yedlin, Miazga, Brooks, Villafana, Adams, Trapp, Pulisic, Mckennie, Weah, Wood

UNOFFICIALLY, the changing of the England guard happened two years ago when Gareth Southgate decided he did not need Wayne Rooney. Officially, it will be confirmed in a poignant ceremony ahead of a match given over to celebrating the international career of the country’s record goalscorer. If you are one of those who believe a handshake and a mention in the programme would have been sufficient reflection on Rooney’s 119-game England career, look away tonight.

Guard of honour, his boys as mascots, a presentation from the FA chairman, the No.10 shirt, the captain’s armband, the FA have only just stopped short of renaming Wembley for the night.

But one of the most significant moments will take place away from the public gaze, deep in the bowels of the stadium ahead of the meeting with the USA.

In the England dressing-room, Rooney will hand the debutants – Callum Wilson, Lewis Dunk and Alex Mccarthy – their England jerseys and address them on their special day. Southgate said: “We will have some debuts and he’s going to present the shirts. I’ve asked him to talk to the guys about a couple of areas in particular. We’ve done that for the last 18 months. Glenn Hoddle did Michael Keane. Ian Wright did Ruben (Loftus-cheek) and Tammy (Abrahams).

“Paul Parker came in, Lee Dixon did Trippier, one Burnley full-back to another. It’s a big moment in a player’s life. It’s the crest on the front that’s the important thing, not the name on the back.”

Maybe it is because Southgate knows he was one of the drivers of Rooney’s international retirement that he has bought into this occasion so enthusiastically.

The tributes on the eve of the Wayne Rooney Foundation match could not have been more fulsome, Southgate bracketing him with Paul

Gascoigne and Paul

FABIAN DELPH joked he does not want to give up the armband – because he will never get it back.Delph, 28, will captain England, but then hand over the honour when Wayne Rooney comes on for his run-out to mark his Wembley farewell.Manchester City star Delph gets the armband 25 years after Paul Ince became the first black player to captain England, also against the USA. Asked whether he would want to hand over the armband to Rooney, Delph (below) said: “I probably won’t get the armband again, so probably not! It’s a huge honour for me and probably the highlight of my career.“When I first came into the England set-up, Wayne was captain and he welcomed me, put his arm around me and made me feel at home.“I’m fortunate enough to have thoroughly enjoyed playing for England. UnderRoy Hodgson, I had a good spell and, underGareth, it has been absolutely amazing and I can’t ever wait to meet up and get my teeth into what the gaffer wants us to do.“For me, personally, I’ve never had the feeling of not enjoying playing for England. We go into every game with a game plan and this is no different, we want to win the game. It is a good opportunity for those making their debut.” England boss Southgate paid a glowing tribute to Delph, who – along with Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Eric Dier and Joe Gomez – make up England’s leadership group.Southgate insisted that Delph be rewarded for his vital role during the World Cup when he was a willing squad member, despite knowing that he was unlikely to start big games. Southgate said: “It is a brilliant reward for him. You don’t give the England captaincy to someone unless you really think they can carry it – and he has those outstanding attributes.”