England side suffering in Euro 2012 due to Rooney’s absence: Hodgson
Agencies Thu Jun 14 2012, 11:54 hrs
The Manchester United striker serves the second game of his two-match ban when England face Sweden on Friday. (AP)
Describing Wayne Rooney as world class player, England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that the England side is suffering due to the star striker’s absence.
The Manchester United striker serves the second game of his two-match ban when England face Sweden on Friday.
“We have missed him, no question. He is a world-class player and when we get him on the field we''ll be a much stronger and more potent attacking force than when he''s not playing,” Hodgson told BBC Radio 5 live.
He added: “When you talk about Sweden, you talk about Zlatan Ibrahimovic and how important he is for them - how he can decide a game. Well, we have got one of those [players] in our squad. His name is Wayne Rooney.”
Rooney’s Manchester United teammate Danny Welbeck led the line against France and is likely to do so again against Sweden on Friday.
But Hodgson said the experienced Rooney had been an asset to the squad despite being ruled out of action until the final group game.
“His training has been excellent and his attitude around the place has also been excellent,” he said.
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