LONDON — Wayne Rooney and Christian Pulisic are 13 years apart, a European in his golden years playing soccer in America and an American in his wonder years excelling in Europe. They do not know one another. They have never stepped onto a pitch at the same time.
But on Thursday, when England and the United States clash at Wembley Stadium, the soft-spoken English striker and the reticent U.S. attacker will cross paths at a divergent and meaningful moment.
Rooney, D.C. United’s summer savior, will take a bow at the fabled theater in a ceremonial farewell to international competition, one year after retiring from the national team.