Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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 11:11 EST
Comments
Wayne Rooney returns to England squad: former England captain speaks ahead of Wembley farewell against US

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:

HALF TIME: England 2-0 USA 

The last action of the half sees Harry Winks foul Weah on the left hand side but England good value for their halftime lead courtesy of two wonderful goals from Jesse Lingard and Trent Alexander Arnold in the space of two first half minutes.

The USMNT have caused some problems going forward themselves and Pulisic will be kicking himself for not giving them the lead when he saw himself through on goal.

England will be wary of their attacking threats but looking like scoring every time they go forward, they'll be hopeful of more, too. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 20:48

As it stands, with Croatia holding Spain in Zagreb, a victory for England on Wednesday against Croatia will see them win their Nations League Group. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 21:01

Another new boy for England tonight as Southampton stopper Alex Mccarthy replaces Jordan Pickford at half time. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 21:02

48 mins: England 2-0 USA

The second half has started much like the first half with end-to-end action, Wilson first posing questions over the top of the defence before an exciting run from Weah just misses Pulisic at the far post. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 21:06

53 mins: England 2-0 USA 

Chances for both of England's first half goal scorers as Jesse Lingard sees his goalbound shot blocked before Alexander-Arnold chips a ball to the back post which only narrowly clears the goal. 

Meanwhile, Eric Dier is readying himself on the bench. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 21:12

Wayne Rooney comes on to a standing ovation, alongside fellow subs Henderson and Dier. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 21:14

Lingard, Alli and Chilwell make way. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 21:15

Over in Zagreb though, in competitive affairs, Croatia have retaken the lead against Spain courtesy of Jedvaj which leaves England in a position where they can finish top or bottom depending on their own result against the Croats on Wednesday night. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 21:16

60 mins: England 2-0 USA 

USA have stepped it up since Rooney stepped on the pitch, controlling possession and looking a threat. 

Surely that's the trigger. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 21:17

75 mins: ROI 0-0 NIR 

It is still 0-0 over in Ireland and even the fans have had the wind taken from their sails. 

All rather quiet at the moment. 

Nathan Jacobs15 November 2018 21:18

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in