Rooney issues a warning
are clever defenders. They do anything to try to stop you and you have to be aware of that and not be frustrated.
“It’s a passionate country that loves its football. They are probably the closest in Europe to South American teams. They’re tough to play against, organised and make it as diffi cult to play against as possible.
“They’re the best in Europe at doing that.
“At the minute, what Harry is doing, he must continue doing. He’s taking the ball and running at defenders and getting shots at goal. I’m sure if he does that the way he has been, he’ll be fi ne.”
Italy coach Antonio Conte will make a cluster of changes but boss Roy Hodgson is also planning to switch his system – and personnel – as he seeks to maintain a run of seven successive wins since the World Cup.
The deployment of Rooney at the apex of the diamond is a surprise, as will be the use of Jones at the hub of midfi eld. There are also likely to be starts for Chris Smalling and Kieran Gibbs .
Hodgson, whose attacking options have been limited by injuries to Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, has been keen to dampen the hysteria that has engulfed Kane.
Yet Rooney admitted the 21- year- old’s displays this term have given everyone a lift.
“I’m as excited as everyone in the country,” said Rooney. “He has had an unbelievable season. Going into the season, there were questions whether he would start for Tottenham.
“He was starting the Europa League games but not the league games. But he gave his manager no option but to play him and he has not looked back, scoring goals every week.
“It’s exciting for this group of players to train with him. After getting his goal on Friday, I bet he can’t wait to get out on the pitch and try to get another goal. ”