Rooney to be rested

EXCLUSIVE

ROY HODGSON is ready to take a huge Euro 2016 gamble by resting captain Wayne Rooney for tonight’s clash against Slovakia. The England manager was last night contemplating making six changes to the team that started Thursday’s win over Wales for the final

Group B clash. Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose are all set to be left out despite England having to win tonight to guarantee finishing top of the group. But Rooney is the biggest casualty as Hodgson looks to refresh his team ahead of the knockout stages. Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy, who both scored after coming off the bench against Wales, are poised to take the two attacking positions up for grabs. Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson are set to start their first game of the Euros, replacing Rooney and Alli; while Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand are expected to start as Hodgson rotates his full-backs. When discussing the merits of playing Wilshere, the England manager said yesterday: ‘He and a lot of the players haven’t played or started games, but they are all looking pretty sharp in training sessions so I don’t have any fears for the sharpness of players. ‘Obviously, had we not needed to win this game, I don’t think there would be any discussion about making changes. ‘But as it is, I have to think a lot more carefully because we have to win the game and I don’t want to be

accused of not taking the game seriously enough by making changes that people don’t understand. ‘All the players are capable of coming into this team and helping us win the match, but the dilemma will be which ones I choose and to what extent I keep together a team that has taken four points out of six.’ Hodgson may believe the clash against the Slovakians represents the final chance to rotate his squad in France with the knockout stages kicking off on Saturday. But the potential implications of his tinkering were underlined by outgoing FA chairman Greg Dyke yesterday. Hodgson has arrived in France with his future in limbo; his FA contract due to expire after the tournament. And Dyke, speaking to BBC Sportsweek, reiterated the notion that the only way Hodgson is guaranteed an extension is with a semi-final slot. But, perhaps more pertinently, the FA supremo, who will be replaced by Martin Glenn next month, claimed the style of England’s performances in France will be used as a barometer to decide whether Hodgson stays in his current role. ‘We have been pretty clear. No decision taken until this tournament is over,’ said Dyke. ‘If we have done well and played well then I think it will be renewed. Semi-finals would be great. Quarter-final if we have played really well, hit one of the best sides and lose or go out on penalties. That is the sort of discussion that will go on.’ In response to Dyke’s remarks, Hodgson wouldn’t be drawn on what the comments may mean for his future, but did defend the style of football his side have played. ‘I haven’t seen what he has said. People are entitled to their opinion and it doesn’t bother me,’ said Hodgson. ‘As far as I am concerned I am enjoying the tournament, I’m enjoying working with the players. I’m enjoying watching the team play as it happens, personally. ‘I shall continue to do that until such time as the FA say “we don’t need you any more we’re employing somebody else” and then I’ll move on.’