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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:

27 mins: GOAL! ENGLAND 2-0 USA (Alexander-Arnold) 

And another cracking goal for England, two in two minutes and what a special one it is for the Liverpool teenage full-back. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:29

England pass the ball across the box before the impressive Jaden Sancho controls the ball and rolls the ball nonchalantly into the path of the oncoming right-back. 

Alexander-Arnold steams into the pass and leathers the ball into the far post, perfectly finding the side-netting and leaving Guzan flailing. 

We already know he's got a fantastic strike on him with his free-kicks so far this season but what a moment for the full-back. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:30

30 mins: England 2-0 USA 

England are really enjoying their football now, passing it around in neat and tidy triangles but always looking to test the American back four. 

Really impressive. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:31

HALF TIME: ROI 0-0 NIR 

Meanwhile, over in Ireland the only highlights of the game are the predictable Brexit chants from the fans. 

'Small part of Europe!' the Northern Ireland fans sing at their hosts this evening. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:33

35 mins: All smiles on England's bench as Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane share a laugh. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:35

Jesse celebrating opening the scoring this evening... 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:36

37 mins: CHANCE! England 2-0 USA

Every now and then, USA breakaway and have a chance of their own. 

This time it's Green who tries a long range effort from about 25-yards but it's right at Pickford, in the middle of the goal who punches clear without too much trouble. 

They look a threat going forward, though. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:39

20-year-old (I was wrong, not a teenager anymore) Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrating his first goal in England colours. 

What an evening so far for the youthful lions. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:40

42 mins: England 2-0 USA 

Pulisic makes space for himself on the egde of England's box with a couple of sharp turns but his effort flashes wide, not troubling Jordan Pickford. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:43

Scouse delight. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:44

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