Rooney was given the chance to lead the side after skipper John Terry failed to recover from an Achilles injury.

But a second-half goal from Nilmar earned Brazil victory and, in addition, Luis Fabiano missed a second-half penalty.

Rooney said: "It was a great moment for me to lead the side out, something I was really proud of. When you are a young kid, you dream of captaining England but never think it will happen.

"Tonight it has happened and I'm proud, and my family will feel the same, but I don't think it was the best game we have played. We can do a lot better.

"The first half was quite even but in the second half they were the better side and deserved the victory. We looked tired at the end. We did okay but we can do better."

But Rooney is optimistic England could match the Brazilians if they are at full strength and believes Spain, of the sides England have faced under Fabio Capello, gave them more problems.

Rooney said: "Can we beat Brazil with a first eleven? I think so. It was probably Brazil's strongest side bar one or two players and we had nine or ten missing.

"That is difficult for any team to overcome, especially against Brazil. At full strength we definitely would give them a better game than tonight.

"Are they the best we've faced at international level? I don't know. I think Spain are better. I didn't play in that game (in Seville in February) but I watched it and Spain were a bit better and created more chances."

Terry is optimistic that he will be back in action sooner rather than later.

He said: "It was touch and go. I gave it a go this morning and it just wasn't right. I left my leg out and blocked a shot the other day and it clipped my Achilles which is still bit tender.

"A few days' rest and hopefully I will be okay. Will I be okay for next weekend? Fingers crossed. We will have to wait and see when I get back in the pool and start doing some work."