Lampard thought he had pulled his side level against Germany in their last-16 clash but was astonished that the goal was not given when the ball was clearly yards over the line.

On the subject of video technology, Brown, with 23 England caps to his name, said : “I think it has to be brought in for the goal line.

“I was as disappointed as everyone else when I saw Frank’s effort disallowed against Germany. The ball was so far over it was incredible.

“It would only take a few seconds to check whether the ball had gone over. It works well in tennis and I think it would be a great addition to our game.”

While Brown’s international career stalled through a succession of injuries, the 30-year-old remains a key member of the United squad.

He puts that down to remaining optimistic in difficult times.

“You have got to keep your head up and stay positive and it’s very important to listen to what the medical team tell you, ” he said in a question and answer session with supporters on manutd.com.

“I have always tried to keep positive whenever I have been injured and never contemplated not coming back.

“You have just got to follow the advice of the physios, work hard and do your best to get yourself fit again.”

Brown has thanked new France coach Laurent Blanc, who had a spell at Old Trafford, for his help along the way.

“He gave me lots of advice when he was at the club, just little things here and there, ” said Brown.

“He always talked about the different aspects of defending and really helped me with my game.”

Brown has arrived in Philadelphia from Toronto with the rest of the 22-man squad following the victory against Celtic on Friday.

Goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverly got United off to a winning start in their five-match tour.

Next up are Philadelphia Union on Wednesday and Brown said: “It is hard work, but coming to America is brilliant.

“It is not as hectic as some places we travel to. Things are a little but more relaxed because not a lot of people recognise us out here so we are able to go for a wander.

“I have been very impressed by the United States team and they look like they’re getting stronger and stronger.

“Soccer is getting bigger all the time in the States and so many kids are playing the game now that it can only continue to become more popular.”

Union are making progress after a difficult start in this their first season in MLS.

They ended Toronto’s eight-match unbeaten run with a a 2-1 victory last night thanks to Frenchman Sebastien Le Toux’s stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot.

That followed the midweek defeat of Neil Lennon’s Celtic and coach Peter Nowak said: “You can see that we are getting better.

“The players are getting smarter. Especially the young kids. This is still a work in progress. We just need to keep making adjustments and concentrate on moving forward.”