adminLONDON. — Roy Hodgson has admitted for the first time that Wayne Rooney is under “enormous pressure” to keep his place in England’s starting line-up at Euro 2016. The goalscoring exploits of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy in the thrilling 3-2 victory over world champions Germany on Saturday highlighted the wealth of attacking riches at Hodgson’s disposal ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Rooney was absent for Saturday’s win in Berlin and will be missing again due to a knee injury when England face Holland tonight at Wembley. Hodgson remains loyal to his captain and Rooney’s place in the final 23-man squad for the championships is not in doubt, yet the debate over what role the striker fulfils has merely intensified.
“I have to be honest with you, I’ve not given thought to that,” said Hodgson. “I was too busy really enjoying the fact that Welbeck came back and did well, Vardy came on and did well, Kane was excellent throughout the game. I will enjoy that for the minute.
“I’m pretty sure when Wayne is fit again, and comes back, then we will assess the situation.
“Wayne, I repeat, is our captain.” — The Daily Express.
Online Reporter