Wayne Rooney Can Play With Freedom, Says Roy Hodgson

Source: thewillnigeria.com

Roy Hodgson thinks Wayne Rooney will now be able to play with more freedom after becoming the England's record goalscorer.

Rooney scored his 50th international goal when he netted England’s second in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Switzerland, surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton’s previous record which had stood for 45 years.

“It was a great night and a scenario that you could not have scripted yourself,” Hodgson said at a charity event for the Cantor Relief Fund at Canary Wharf in London.

“It was ideal in a way. Had he scored the two goals in San Marino it wouldn’t have quite had the same effect I don’t think.

“It really put us out of sight at Wembley on Tuesday night and I’m delighted for him and delighted for us as well because he can just settle down now. He won’t have that hanging over him and he won’t have every press conference discussing his 50th goal.”

Hodgson was also asked whether Harry Kane could become the next Rooney after the Tottenham striker netted the opener against Switzerland to score in his second consecutive international game.

“Well he could be couldn’t he? He had a wonderful season last year,” he added.

“We think he is a very big talent who has every quality we are looking for and I think he will gain from the experience of being with us and playing around the likes of Wayne Rooney and one or two of the other senior players we have with us.”

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