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Wayne Rooney: I hope to honour Harry Kane's England career when he retires

Action Images via Reuters
Action Images via Reuters

Wayne Rooney hopes to honour England captain Harry Kane in the same way he was celebrated on Thursday as the striker bid farewell to international duty.

The 33-year-old made his 120th and final outing for the Three Lions as USA visited for a friendly, with proceeds going towards the Wayne Rooney Foundation.

Ahead of kick-off, Rooney and family were given a guard of honour by both sets of players before being presented with a special award by Kane and FA chairman Greg Clarke.

"Being back at Wembley in front of the fans, it's great, they've given me a great reception," he told Sky Sports.

"It's the first time [a tribute to a former player] has happened, I think everyone has enjoyed it. Hopefully some of those players will be getting similar nights for what they achieved.

"It's new, I can't say too much else but it's great that I've left my mark on international football with England. I think it's the right thing to do.

"It's a great touch for me, personally, to be presented with the trophy by Harry [Kane], I asked him to do it and I hope I can do it for him in 10 years' time.

(PA)
(PA)

"It's great memories for when I'm older. My wife, my parents, family. It's great for us to look back on as a family and we'll remember it for some time."

Rooney, wearing Kane's no.10 shirt for the evening, was given a half-hour run out. He almost got on the scoresheet only to be denied by USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the final minutes.

"It went as I imagined it," he said. "The players have been great, it's nice to see how they've been working, improving in the training sessions.

"I want to thank the FA and Gareth for giving me this opportunity. It's a great way to finish my career, it was a great game. Of course I nearly got the goal but it wasn't to be... it's something I'll remember for a long time.

(AFP/Getty Images)
(AFP/Getty Images)

"I have always been thinking about scoring goals and tonight was the same. I haven't played for a year and I felt I fitted in well, but I've had my time. Tonight was a great night for me and my family, I'm proud to be the country's top goalscorer and to have played so many times.

"I scored past him [Brad Guzan] a few weeks ago so I don't think he was in a mood to let one past him! In some ways it's great that it didn't go in because there'd be a whole debate about if he let it in."

England now welcome Croatia at Wembley on Sunday knowing they must win to qualify out of their Nations League group, and Rooney is confident the future is bright for the squad.

(AFP/Getty Images)
(AFP/Getty Images)

He added: "It's my opinion, but the squad is in very safe hands. The players on the training pitch, how they're responding to the way they're being coached.

"It's a great group of young players and I hope they do [qualify]. It would be great for the country and I'll be one of the fans supporting them."