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As it happenedended

England vs USA: Gareth Southgate's men secure comfortable win as Wayne Rooney makes final appearance

Re-live all the action from Wembley

Nathan Jacobs
Thursday 15 November 2018 16:11 GMT
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Wayne Rooney returns to England squad: former England captain speaks ahead of Wembley farewell against US

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England great Wayne Rooney got a heartfelt send-off and first-hand glimpse of the future as debutant Callum Wilson completed a comfortable win for Gareth Southgate's experimental side against the United States.

Focus on number 10 switched from Downing Street to Wembley on Thursday evening as the Three Lions' all-time top scorer and most capped outfield player brought the curtain down on his international career once and for all.

Rooney received a warm reception before and after coming on for his 120th appearance for England, who prepared for Sunday's crunch Nations League clash with Croatia by beating the USA 3-0 thanks to goals from Jesse Lingard, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Wilson.

The latter wrapped up victory on a night that also saw Lewis Dunk and Alex McCarthy make their international bows, with 18-year-old Jadon Sancho handed his first start as the Three Lions looked to the future while also paying tribute to one of their greatest players.

Rooney received a standing ovation when brought on in the 58th minute of a match that Southgate's men were already in control of thanks to a fine Lingard effort and Alexander-Arnold's first goal for his country.

There was to be no fairytale farewell goal for the 33-year-old, but he was first to celebrate with Wilson after the debutant scored the third on a night that saw the DC United forward impress against the country he now calls home.

His appearance in this friendly may have split opinion in the build-up, but there can be no doubt that the support for the Wayne Rooney Foundation and chance for fans to say thanks was only positive.

Re-live the action live below:

It's Thursday, it's international week, and that means a friendly between England and the United States of America, featuring Wayne Rooney! How odd. We will also have updates from Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland, with full line-ups and team news coming right up...

Lawrence Ostlere15 November 2018 15:38

It's not been the best day for news in Britain with more Brexit turmoil and resignations occurring like there's no tomorrow. 

Meanwhile, the Premier League isn't doing much better with the Richard Scudamore news breaking that the premier boss is accepting the '£5m reward' from 15 of the 20 premier clubs for his impending retirement. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 18:42

  ↵But tonight, the focus is on Wembley, where another news storm to have gripped the nation this past week, takes shape. 

Wayne Rooney is making his return to the England side for the final time, reaching his 120th cap in the process. 

The Three Lions' leading ever goalscorer is using this friendly to promote his charity with the game taking place against the country he is currently plying his trade in; The United States. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 18:45

  ↵Meanwhile, we will also be keeping tabs on the match in Ireland as the Aviva Stadium hosts both Irish sides. 

This is how the Northern contingent line up: 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 18:50

  ↵And this is how Martin O'Neill's men line up this evening:

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 18:55

England have been checking in to Wembley in the past 10 minutes...

Team news to come in a jiffy!

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 18:56

And here is tonight's starting XI with deserved first caps for Lewis Dunk and Callum WIlson. 

And an honour for Manchester City full-back Fabian Delph as he leads out the Three Lions this evening before Rooney will reclaim the armband at some point in the second half. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:03

Rooney, sat on the bench, has 25 more caps than the England starting XI put together! 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:05

For those also interested in England's opposition tonight, here's how USA line up: 

Some recognisable names in there...

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:08

Tonight's game also sees young winger Jaden Sancho make his first start in an England shirt following his impressive form in Dortmund. 

But he'll be up against BVB teammate, Cristian Pulisic, one of USMNT's better players. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:16

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