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Wayne Rooney RULES OUT England retirement U-turn despite Gary Neville call

Rooney came on as a second-half substitute to earn his 120th and final cap for England.

The former Manchester United and Everton star had not played for England for two years – but this match was something of a testimonial with proceeds going to the Wayne Rooney Foundation.

Gary Neville had claimed ahead of the match that Rooney was in Gareth Southgate’s squad on merit.

He even suggested Rooney could play in the UEFA Nations League clash with Croatia on Sunday.

But insists he is hanging up his international boots for good.

“It has been fun being around the players, it’s been great seeing how they work and have improved. I’ve said my own personal thanks but I want to say thank you to the FA, to Gareth Southgate and to the players for the opportunity,” he said.

“Tonight was great, a great way to finish my international career, I thought the lads played great. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a goal but I’ll remember it for a long time.

“I’m not a player who hasn’t played for a year and come back, I’ve been playing at a high level. I think I fitted in well.

“It’s two years since I’ve played foe England and I’m proud to be the record goalscorer for England.”

and before the game said: “I think if he scores a goal he’s likely to go and grab Gareth Southgate at the end and try and keep him in the squad for Sunday as well.

“He will want to make a mark, he’ll want to go out with a goal obviously.

“I’d imagine he will be in the box at every opportunity.”

DC United star Rooney didn’t get his goal – although he came close to making contact with a cross-goal ball.

Rooney was presented with a plaque before kick off commemorating his time with .

He added: “I think it is new, I know we are different from other countries, I think it’s great that the FA are celebrating players who have left a mark on international football. It’s never happened before and it should have.

“I think it is the right thing to do, it was a great thing for me, I asked Harry Kane to present me with the plaque and I hope to do the same for him one day.

“My youngest son has never seen me play for England, so tonight was the first and the last, it will be a great memory for us when the boys are older. It is great for us as a family.

“It’s my opinion that England are in very safe hands from what I’ve seen this week. The way they are being coached is brilliant, it’s a great group of young players who have a bright future.

“They will go close to being the next team to bring a trophy back for England.”

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