Wayne Rooney revealed he had been given a fantastic reception by the England players and staff after joining up with the squad ahead of the friendly with the United States at Wembley on Thursday.
The former captain has been called up for a one-off game and will win his 120th international cap as a second half substitute.
Rooney said: "It's nice to be back here, obviously turning up, meeting the players again. Obviously some players I have played with, some players I haven't but it was nice to see all the players and the staff and the reception they gave me was fantastic, so it's great to be back."
On why the game did not take place before the World Cup, Rooney added: "I think because the players are obviously preparing for the biggest football event and I didn't feel it was right to get in the way of that."
Rooney was asked about the controversy over letting him win a 120th cap and replied: "I think everyone is entitled to their opinions.
"I think the most important thing, speaking with the FA we both felt it was right, and speaking with the players they agree that it's right."
Rooney added: "I think as a country we haven't done anything like this before and this is the first time and I hope that in 10 or 15 years' time we're sat here for someone, say Harry Kane, who could possibly go on and get the goal-scoring record. Of course it's something different and I'm not asking people to agree with it.
"I think what is important as well is that the game is going to go ahead, and that I'm going to take part, there would be money raised for the children through the Wayne Rooney foundation, which is important to me."
Rooney admitted it will be "strange" playing at Wembley once again, two years since his last game for England.
"It will be strange but something I am looking forward to," he said. "I had my first training session yesterday and it was strange getting in amongst the players at training.
"To run out at Wembley again will be something I will be proud of and it will be a special moment."
And the DC United forward is making no demands on England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of his farewell game.
"As I said to Gareth, whatever he wants is what I will try and give him. I obviously know this is the last (England) game for me and I'm not putting any pressure on.
"I'm not making any demands, my message to Gareth was 'you get what you need out of me and when you feel it's right to bring me on that's fine for me'."
