ROO’S MY MIDFIELD GENERAL

Hodgson hails Captain Fantastic, and admits: I knew Wayne would be my playmaker... eventually

ROY HODGSON has heralded Wayne Rooney as England’s Captain Fantastic.

The Three Lions boss bel ieves that Rooney’s performances against Russia and Wales have proved that he was fully justified to keep faith with his skipper – when others were claiming Rooney was finished.

The emergence of Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane over the past 12 months has coincided with Manchester United star Rooney slipping into a midfield role for both club and country, as he enters the veteran years of his career.

And Hodgson reckons Rooney has proved the critics wrong as England have moved to the brink of qualifying for the last 16 at the Euros.

“If there’s one player who deserves a pat on the back, then it’s Wayne Rooney,” said Hodgson.

“I always thought that if we could get Wayne doing a job in midfield then we would get a lot out if him – because we would be getting a goalscorer from distance, a passer of the ball, as well as all that experience he brings to the captaincy.

“I had to wait and see with Wayne, but he has played in midfield for Manchester United so I knew he could do it.

“At these Euros he has showed, desire, fantastic work- rate and composure.

“Wayne is one of the guys who is prepared to stay on the ball that little bit longer and make the extra pass and not be tempted by the killer pass or killer shot.

“Wayne has been playing for England for over 12 years and he is now 30 with over 100 caps.

“So there was always going to be a time – especially when some young bucks come on the