Senior England players give Wayne Rooney green light to wear captain's armband in farewell match

Wayne Rooney started his England comeback on Monday as he returned to training ahead of Thursday night’s Wembley send-off.

England’s senior players have given the green light for Rooney to take the captain’s armband when he makes his substitute appearance against the United States.

Rooney, who will win his 120th and final cap this week, reported with the rest of the squad at St George’s Park for a light training session and evening team meeting.

Captain Harry Kane last week gave his blessing for Rooney to take the armband when he comes on for his farewell and that view has been privately echoed by other senior members of manager Gareth Southgate’s squad.

The return of Rooney for his farewell has sparked controversy, but his wife, Coleen, defended her husband by posting a message on Twitter that read: “Can’t believe how much negativity there is going around ....Let’s celebrate each other’s achievements ..... A record was broken for the country after 50 years surely that deserves some sort of recognition.”

She later added: “Sorry there is people being positive and that’s so nice .... however returned back to England today and been hit with all the negativity to why he shouldn’t get rewarded ... welcome home.”

With Danny Welbeck already ruled out through injury, 27 of the 28 players Southgate originally selected met up on Monday – including Kieran Trippier and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Loftus-Cheek was left out of the Chelsea squad to face Everton due to back pain, while Trippier had to be taken off in Tottenham’s win at Crystal Palace with a groin problem. But both players reported for duty and remained with the rest of the squad on Monday night ahead of Tuesday’s first full training session, when they will be assessed again.