Wayne Rooney believes exciting times lie ahead for England as Gareth Southgate leads a fresh young squad into a new era.
The former Three Lions skipper made his 120th and final appearance for his country in Thursday night’s 3-0 win over USA at Wembley Stadium.
The 33-year-old featured for his country at three European Championships and three World Cup from 2004 to 2016 and he reckons Southgate’s new breed are capable of finally ending England’s tournament hoodoo.
Rooney said: “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.”
The match against USA, the country in which Rooney now plies his trade, gave England fans the opportunity to show their appreciation for their country’s record goalscorer and most-capped male outfield player.
Rooney added: “I think it's great that The FA are celebrating players who have left a mark on international football. It's never happened before.
“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.”
England host Croatia at a sold-out Wembley on Sunday in the final UEFA Nations League match. The winner will top League A, Group 4.
