Wayne Rooney: England captain is certain of place in Euro 2016 squad says Roy Hodgson

The Manchester United striker is all but guaranteed a place in the 23-man squad but may have to fight for a starting berth

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Wayne Rooney is certain of his place in England’s squad for Euro 2016, according to manager Roy Hodgson.

However, with the likes of Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Danny Welbeck impressing for England during the 30-year-old’s two-month knee injury lay-off, Hodgson has made it clear that Rooney faces a fight to claim a starting spot.

“In a squad of 23, something would have to happen much more than people doubting his [Rooney's] form at this moment of time,” Hodgson said. "More than that would happen before I said 'I am going to ditch Wayne Rooney now after two years of captaining the team, 20-odd games where he has been an important part of his group'.

"I don't see any reason why his position in the team or as captain, or in the group, put it that way, should be questioned.

"Of course, with the competition that is coming for the places where he plays - I do understand there's questions about 'well, should he be the one playing or should another'. That's another matter altogether.

"But I don't understand why it would be even advisable to leave him out of the squad when he has done such a good job captaining these last two years.

"I think he merits a place there amongst the 23."

Euro 2016 will be Rooney’s fifth major tournament, having emerged as an explosive teenager during Euro 2004.

But twelve years on from England’s campaign in Portugal, Hodgson admits that Rooney is no longer the player he was as a teenager.

“Obviously I think players obviously do have to change,” Hodgson said. "Whether or not you can actually get back to that sort of rampaging style he had as a teenager when you're 30, I don't know.

"But there is no doubt his passion and his energy is undimmed.

“I don't doubt that for one minute and who knows, maybe we wouldn't be surprised if this speculation about him - should he playing or not be playing - might be the type of thing that kicks into gear again that little bit of fervour you're referring to.

"I can't compare him with 2004 but by comparing him in the four years we have been together, I haven't noticed any enormous difference. But 2004 is a long time ago."