The Barclays Premier League resumes this weekend after the international break, as Man United take on Everton at home on Sunday.
Meanwhile, all the talk has centred around former Everton wonderkid Wayne Rooney’s dismal performance for the England national team. Roy Hodgson insists his captain is still a major part of his Euro 2016 plans – even though his side beat World Cup holders Germany without the striker.
United forward Rooney was sidelined by a knee injury as Hodgson’s team came from two goals down to win last Saturday’s friendly 3-2, with the younger generation flourishing in his absence in Berlin and going against all of the odds.. Punters have also shifted from the former England star to the younger players, including Tottenham’s 19-year-old Dele Alli who was was man of the match. His partnership with club-mate Harry Kane also continued to develop as the striker, 22, scored the goal that started England’s comeback.
Hodgson insists the 30-year-old, England’s record goalscorer with 51 goals in 109 appearances, will not allow the new breed to rest on their laurels.
He said: “When he comes back and is fit again he is going to be putting enormous pressure on these players, just like these players will be putting enormous pressure on him – and that is the situation we are looking forward to.”
