After the Toffees fought their way back from three goals down to level at 3-3, it was van Nistelrooy who broke Goodison Park hearts with a close range 89th-minute winning goal.

After the game, which saw him register his 100th and 101st goals for United, van Nistelrooy said he felt that Rooney's introduction at half-time was the catalyst behind Everton's comeback.

"We just couldn't handle Rooney," revealed van Nistelrooy.

"We knew they would come at us in the second half and would get the ball up to Duncan Ferguson as much as they could but it was Rooney who made the difference.

"He was getting the ball from everywhere and we just couldn't stop him. It was thanks to him Everton dominated the second half and we didn't expect that.

"They turned it around and showed a lot of character to bring it back to 3-3 and it was Rooney who made the difference."


Portugal v England


TheFA.com is the home of the England team.

TheFA.com will reveal Sven's squad to face Portugal and David Platt's squad to face Holland this Saturday night.

The match against Portugal takes place on Wednesday 18 February, kick-off 9.15pm. It will be live on Sky Sports and Radio 5-Live.

You can read all the best build-up to the match here on TheFA.com.