Five days ago Wayne Rooney was getting involved in plenty of positive play as Manchester United bounced back to form with a 3-1 win at Swansea, and on Friday he delivered a pinpoint corner from the left as Gary Cahill headed home the goal which clinched a 3-0 victory over Scotland at Wembley.

But look beyond the highlights and there is still a lost look about the one-time talisman of both United and England. Having recalled him to the first XI after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, Gareth Southgate will be no more than moderately happy with his skipper’s performance despite the convincing nature of the result against the old enemy.

In many ways, Rooney’s display was the personification of England’s troubles as a team. In the early moments they were caused difficulty by Scotland’s high pressing game as Gary Cahill and particularly John Stones looked uncertain on the ball, and when Eric Dier or Jordan Henderson were one-dimensional in possession themselves.

England’s first goal came after their first real period of pressure in the entire game, with Kyle Walker mopping up after Raheem Sterling’s shot had been blocked and crossing for Daniel Sturridge to flick a near-post header beyond Craig Gordon.

But within minutes Rooney handed Scotland a brilliant opportunity to equalise, laying back a half-hearted pass which Leigh Griffiths pounced open. Rooney’s blushes were spared only by the striker’s decision to go for goal himself despite Rob Snodgrass lurking unmarked to his left.

The captain continued to look lost in the link position between midfield and attack as England made heavy work of a willing but ultimately poor Scotland outfit. Just as has been the case in his recent outings, a heavy first touch was prevalent in Rooney’s play and his side failed to really carve open their visitors as a result.

After James Forrest and Snodgrass both missed good chances in the opening moments of the second half, England again caught the Scots cold at the back as Danny Rose’s cross found an unmarked Adam Lallana to head home. By the time Rooney sent in a corner which Cahill climbed high to turn in, Gordon Strachan’s outfit looked well beaten. They had to do what they could to chase the game simply because of the magnitude of the fixture, but all that did was open spaces for the home side to exploit.

But Rooney and England are going to have to be much better than this if they are to be taken seriously come finals time. The 31-year-old’s night was summed up late on when he was caught napping as a simple ball came his way and he ended up committing a foul which earned him a yellow card. In one of the most flattering 3-0 victories England will ever record, their skipper was as unconvincing as ever.

Of course, the result will be enough to satisfy many. And those who watch their football in highlight-form only will be pleased enough with Rooney’s outing. But dig a little deeper and both Rooney and England still have so much to work on.