Roy Hodgson: It would take an awful lot to drop Wayne Rooney

The 30-year-old's place is being debated like never before, thanks to the forward's knee injury towards the end of a tough campaign in which other attackers are impressing. "I think I've said now on several occasions that this is a 23-man squad: three goalkeepers and 20 outfield players," Hodgson said.

"It would take a lot before I say to Wayne Rooney after his captaincy over two years, after 19 games and two defeats, that because I am being pushed to make a brave, bold decision and show what a fantastic, forward-thinking and adventurous coach I am, 'I am leaving you out the team'. It would take an awful lot. But, of course, Wayne Rooney has got to get fit, got to get playing and when Wayne Rooney gets in the squad he has got to get in front of other players."