England vs USA: Gareth Southgate's men secure comfortable win as Wayne Rooney makes final appearance
Re-live all the action from Wembley
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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:
6 mins: Sancho is a little bit fast, isn't he?
His burst of pace with the ball matched that of Callum Wilson alongside him without it.
Ominous signs for USA's backline.
8 mins: CHANCE! England 0-0 USA
Guzan will be mightily relieved. His poor clearance falls at the feet of Lingard who finds debutant Callum Wilson waiting on his own in the six-yard box.
Maybe the forward just had too long to think because he missed contact with the crossed ball and skewed his effort wide of goal.
Fantastic chance to open the scoring.
10 mins: NO PENALTY! England 0-0 USA
It certainly looked a stonewaller as Lingard slipped in Wilson through on goal, the Bournemouth forward rounded Guzan and in typical goalkeeper fashion, the no.1 appeared to clean Wilson out.
On second and third viewing it does look a bit more like Wilson left his left leg in there but I wouldn't have been surprised to see a penalty given.
Guzan not impressed with Wilson mind you.
28 mins: ROI 0-0 NIR
Meanwhile, at the Aviva, Northern Ireland continue to probe and a Steven Davis freekick is deflected for a corner.
13 mins: CHANCE! England 0-0 USA
It's been a really bright start from the Three Lions and this time it's Jesse Lingard who threatens to open the scoring bearing down on the right hand side of the American box.
His teammates aren't really in good positions to pass to so he goes for goal himself from a tight angle and Guzan stands big to palm it away.
19 mins: England 0-0 USA
England still continuing to do most of the pressing and have had most of the possession but the American side look decent down their right-hand side, too.
Chilwell just crossed a 25-yard free-kick in which was well dealt with by the American defence.
A pleasing start to proceedings.
20 mins: Chance! England 0-0 USA
Brilliant again from that man Jaden Sancho right up until his decision making.
Good work down England's left see's the Dortmund winger bearing down on goal but he opts to try and find a man in the middle, instead finding the boot of a defender.
Could have looked to test the keeper.
23 mins: BEST CHANCE OF GAME FOR USA! England 0-0 USA
It really is fantastic attacking play from Christian Pulisic who takes on the whole of England's back four on his own it seems but is stopped by the wall that is Jordan Pickford.
He picks up possession and tries to feed a teammate but can't manage it.
Wouldn't you just know it?
America go forward and create the best chance of the game and then England decide to up it one more gear and take the lead courtesy of the United winger.
And what a goal it was.
Dele Alli, on the left wing, feeds Lingard who is on the left-edge of the box.
He sets the ball out of his feet and curls a beauty beyond the outstretched reach of Guzan.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments