Wayne Rooney bids farewell to England national team

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After England humbled the United States 3-0 in a Wembley on Thursday night, one of the most iconic English footballers of all-time walked down the tunnel one last time. The match, which doubled as Wayne Rooney's tribute game, saw the prolific striker playing his final game in the Three Lions jersey.

Although England manager Gareth Southgate came under fire for bringing back Rooney to the squad, a move which went against his much-acclaimed youth policy, he went ahead with his plan to give him a good sendoff. However, as he kept up his rotation policy and fielded a slew of newcomers, including Callum Wilson, who scored on his debut in the game.

Wayne Rooney comes on for Jesse Lingard during the International Friendly match between England and United States at Wembley Stadium, United Kingdom, November 15, 2018 in London. /VCG Photo

Among the other England youngsters, Southgate's third choice right back, 20-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold made full use of the opportunity by scoring his first international goal at the hallowed ground.

Wayne Rooney controls the ball during the International Friendly match between England and United States at Wembley Stadium, United Kingdom, November 15, 2018 in London. /VCG Photo

Another exciting youngster, Jesse Lingard got onto the scoreboard by netting the opening goal of the match.

With the England youngsters dominating the game with their electrifying pace and energetic performance, Rooney was handed the captain's armband one last time when he came on in the 58th minutes. The 33-year-old came close to scoring in stoppage time, but was denied a fairytale ending by goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Former England great Gary Lineker tweeted his tribute to the retiring great after the match, “Good luck to @WayneRooney. 120 caps and 53 goals is a sensational international career. Well played.”