Wayne Rooney will cherish his final England appearance but revealed it was perhaps a blessing in disguise he did not add to his record-breaking goals haul.
The former England captain, record goalscorer and most capped outfield player brought the curtain down on a distinguished international career with a substitute appearance in the 3-0 friendly victory over the United States at Wembley.
However, his 120th cap โ a send-off which doubled as a fundraiser for his charity โ was unpopular in some quarters, with some seeing the appearance as an unnecessary novelty.
Rooney went close to bagging a record-extending 54th England goal but was denied by Brad Guzan.
The 33-year-old told Sky Sports: โIf I did score it wouldโve opened another debate over whether that goal should count or not. In some ways itโs better it didnโt go in.
โI think itโs great the country, the FA are celebrating players who have left their mark on international football for England.
โIt never happened in the past, which it should have. Itโs a newish FA, newish coaching staff. I think itโs the right thing to do. It was a great touch for me personally.โ
Rooney, wearing the number 10 shirt, was brought on for former Manchester United team-mate Jesse Lingard in the 57th minute and handed the captainโs armband.
He received a standing ovation in a match that Gareth Southgateโs men were already in control of thanks to a fine Lingard effort and Trent Alexander-Arnoldโs first goal for his country.
There was to be no fairytale farewell goal for Rooney, but he was first to celebrate with Callum Wilson after the debutant scored the third on a night that saw the DC United forward impress against the country he now calls home.
He said: โIt went as I imagined it. The players have been great, seeing how theyโre working and Iโm improving. Itโs been great for me. I want to thank the FA and Gareth for giving me this opportunity, and the players.
โTonight was a great way to finish off my international career. The lads played brilliant, a great game. Unfortunately I couldnโt get a goal. Itโs something Iโll remember for a long time.
โI felt I fitted in well with the team, but Iโve had my time. Obviously itโs two years since I played. Tonight was a great night for me and my family. Iโm proud to have played for England so many times and be the record goalscorer.โ
Rooney will now be willing the World Cup semi-finalists on to greater heights from the sidelines.
He added: โI think (England are) in very safe hands from what Iโve seen on the training pitch. How the players are getting coached is brilliant. How the players are responding to it is brilliant.
โItโs a great group of young players who have got a really bright future. Iโm sure in the next few years they will go close to being the next team to bring a trophy back for England.
โI hope they do. Itโll be great for the country and Iโll be one of the fans supporting them.โ
