Hodgson sees Wayne as leader
Published: 42 minutes ago
ROY HODGSON is looking at Wayne Rooney as a possible future England captain.
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Three Lions chief Hodgson has not yet named a vice-captain behind Steven Gerrard for Euro 2012.
And striker Rooney could get the deputy’s job — despite the fact he will miss the games against France and Sweden through suspension.
Should the Manchester United star prove he is up to it, he will become favourite to take over from his pal Gerro once the 32-year-old Liverpool midfielder calls time on his international career.
Hodgson’s predecessor Fabio Capello tipped Rooney to be an England captain.
And the new boss said: “Vice-captain is something we’re considering and Wayne would come into the reckoning.
“We’re having to take it on a game by game basis but Wayne would be considered.”
Rooney is unlikely to start against Belgium today in England’s final warm-up match at Wembley because Hodgson is still trying to work out his team for the opening Group D clash with France a week on Monday.
The front two places in the starting XI are up for grabs, along with the two wide positions.
Hodgson added: “Wayne, the one obvious pick as a front player, is not available.
“But I was satisfied with what I saw in Norway last week.
“If anyone else gets a chance, they can make an impression with me.
“When it comes to the front four positions, I have a lot of options.
“I’ve not had a chance to see Danny Welbeck yet because he’s not been fit.
“I’m not concerned that I need to play the team against Belgium that will play against France.
“But, when I make the decision for the France match, I want to have covered all the bases and know why I’ve chosen the players and what I’m looking for.
“To say it’s an audition is too strong a word to use with so many senior players. It’s preparatory.”
Much has been made of the new relaxed atmosphere that has been ushered in by Hodgson and how the players are enjoying themselves.
But the manager said: “The problem with top-class sport is the only real enjoyment you can get is through winning.
“However much you work on your environment, when you’re not winning, it’s not very enjoyable.
“All of us live our lives knowing winning is all that counts.
“It is important in preparation for games that the players are a) focused, b) well prepared for their task and c) looking forward to the games being played and not fearing them.
“I haven’t set out with any agenda looking to relax the players.
“I work in the way I work using the principles I believe in.
“If the players say they enjoy it, that’s great.
“But the primary goal is trying to get ready for the games and do the work that’s necessary.”
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