Rooney praises youngsters

Wayne Rooney was all praise for youngsters Danny Welbeck and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who played an important part in England’s 1-0 win over Belgium at the Wembley in their final warm-up before the Euro 2012.

Rooney, who will have to sit out of England’s first two games of the competition because of a ban, has backed his Manchester United teammate Danny Welbeck to lead the line in his absence.

“Danny has done very well. And Chamberlain came in and I thought he was brilliant for us tonight. We’ve got the players to get the results in those first few games.

“I think Danny’s loan spell at Sunderland certainly helped. He came back bigger and stronger and he started a lot of games for United this season and did really well. It’s great to see him in the squad and great to see him get his first goal tonight.

“I’m confident we’re capable of beating France and Sweden. We’ve certainly got the squad of players. You need some luck in those games but we’re confident – you’ve got to be confident. If you are not then there’s no point turning up.”

Rooney started the match on the bench and came on in the 53rd minute to replace Danny Welbeck. And the Manchester United leading goalscorer last season knows it will be difficult to get a start against Ukraine in England’s third match of the competition. He added:

“I hope I can work hard and keep on showing the manager what he wants to see. So, hopefully, I can get back in the team.

“It was a good run out, a bit longer than I expected. It was nice to get back on the pitch to play. It’s important to rest after a long season – it’s nice to get that break.

“He (Hodgson) did offer me another week off, basically, but I didn’t think it would be fair for me to join up with the team and meet them just as we’re flying out to Poland. I want to be part of the squad.”