England manager Roy Hodgson has reportedly hit out at the nation being obsessed with striker Wayne Rooney saying that he does not feel that the striker sets himself up to be anything other than a very important member of the squad.
Hodgson reportedly insisted that the overall balance of the squad is necessary and there was no need to concentrate on individuals, especially one finding his way back to match fitness after a month-long lay-off, when he was questioned about competition for Rooney's position in the England national team for the World Cup.
According to The Guardian, Hodgson said that it is a bit sad that the country is so 'Rooney-obsessed', adding that the striker is someone who does his best and tries his best at all times.
Hodgson said that the talk about combinations does not interest him, because all he wants is for Rooney to play well and Daniel Sturridge to play well.
The England boss said that they do not share this obsession with Rooney, as they also think that players like Danny Welbeck, Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana are in there to play well and help the team score goals too.
Hodgson added that Rooney and skipper Steven Gerrard have never asked to be elevated to the positions that they currently occupy, they got there because they are good footballers and they deserve to be there.
Hodgson further added that he is not looking for players to impress him all the time, just to justify his faith in them.