Wayne Rooney presence at England training is amazing, says Lewis Dunk

Dunk is hoping to earn his first cap when England take on USA at Wembley on Thursday night

By Greg Grimes

Brighton defender Lewis Dunk is enjoying his second call-up to the England squad

Brighton defender Lewis Dunk says training with Wayne Rooney on England duty has been "amazing".

Rooney is set to come off the bench in Thursday's friendly against the USA, live on Sky Sports, after the Football Association decided to honour his record-breaking international career.

The 33-year-old joined up with the England squad on Monday and said in his press conference on Tuesday that he will be proud to play at Wembley again.

Image: Brighton's Lewis Dunk is hoping to earn his first England cap

Dunk, who is yet to win an England cap, said: "It's been amazing [training with Rooney]. Obviously growing up as a kid you've been watching him score goals for England in many major tournaments.

"To bring him back for his last cap, I think it's a fitting tribute for England to do that for him. To get his 120th [cap] it is a great gesture from them.

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"Hopefully Thursday night will be a great night for him because he's been a great servant for England and football."

Image: Wayne Rooney says playing for England at Wembley again will be a proud moment

Dunk is hoping Rooney's 120th cap will coincide with his first after his second call-up by England manager Gareth Southgate.

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Dunk was named in the squad after a late call-up to the one in October, after an injury to Burnley's James Tarkowski.

He added: "To be out on the pitch with him [Rooney] would be a great honour and I would take great pride knowing I made my debut when Rooney was on the pitch.

"Hopefully this Thursday will be the day."

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If Dunk does make an appearance against the USA he would be Brighton's first player to represent England since Steve Foster in June 1982.

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