England say hello to future as Rooney says farewell

Wayne Rooney said he 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, record goalscorer and most-capped outfield player brought the curtain down on a distinguished international career with a substitute 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 record-extending 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 on international football for England.

“It never happened in the past, which it should have. It’s a newish FA, newish coaching staff. I think it’s the right thing to do. It was a great touch for me personally.”

Rooney, wearing the number 10 shirt, was brought on for former Manchester United teammate Jesse Lingard in the 57 th minute and handed the captain’s armband.

He received a standing ovation in a match that Gareth Southgate’s men were already in control of thanks to a fine Lingard effort and Trent AlexanderArnold’s first goal for his country.

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.

Wayne Rooney embraces Brad Guzan after the match