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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:

Callum Wilson is the first Bournemouth player to earn a cap for England and it's fully merited, too. 

Congratulations to him. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:30

The teams are warming up and it's a special one for England's record goalscorer... 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:34

Almost a decade since the last time an English player playing abroad started a game for The Three Lions

Is this something England should encourage more of their players to do? 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:37

Moments away from kick off as the two Irish sides do battle. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:44

3 mins: ROI 0-0 NIR 

It's been a really positive start from Northern Ireland, playing in light blue this evening. 

Gavin Whyte, who's form has impressed at Oxford United has been the brightest spark in these early stages in his first international start. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:49

Wayne Rooney is out of the tunnel and about to enjoy a welcome to the pitch with both sides clapping the England captain onto the pitch alongside his children.

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:55

Time for the national anthems....

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 19:56

The Three Lions are moments away from kick off..  

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:01

And off we go. England 0-0 USA 

The referee blows his whistle and Jesse Lingard gets us underway here at Wembley and it only takes 20 seconds for England to threaten. 

Ben Chilwell nips in and puts a wonderful ball across goal but there are no takers. 

The ball finds its way to the edge of the box where Delph is lurking but his shot is blocked. Bright start. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:02

4 mins: England 0-0 USA 

CLOSE! A fantastic corner from Alexander-Arnold falls at the head of Dele Alli who's free in the box and his header tests Guzan who palms the ball on to the bar. 

Little did they know the referee had already blown up because the corner swung out of play before coming back in... 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:07

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