We will use Rooney as forward: Hodgson

England coach Roy Hodgson says he is prepared to play Wayne Rooney in a more attacking role at Euro 2016 though the Manchester United striker has been a key figure in the midfield.

The forward has earned high praises for playing in a deeper role but with a game against Slovakia on Monday Hodgson insists Rooney's time as a centre-forward is not over yet.

"The one who really deserves a pat on the back is Wayne Rooney because we thought if we could get him being Wayne Rooney doing this job here (in midfield), we'll get a lot out of it," Hodgson was quoted as saying by the Independent on Sunday.

"We'll get a goalscorer from distance, we'll get a passer and we'll get the benefit of his experience and his captaincy.

"In the two games so far, what we have seen from Eric Dier and Dele Alli I was half expecting, but Wayne was one where I had to wait and see what he would be like, although I did see him play there for Manchester United and knew he could do it.

"It is not a surprise that the situation has occurred (that he has dropped into midfield), but with that said, we would always be prepared to use him as a front player," he added.

--IANS

dd/ajb/mr