Rooney’s maturity after the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday and his handling of the situation as England’s captain also earned Hodgson’s respect.
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Martial had to come off just after the hour mark in France’s 2-0 defeat against England on Tuesday after suffering a foot problem and had to leave Wembley on crutches.
Rooney spoke ahead of the match, saying: “I’m happy the game’s on”.
“We have to get better, of course, but we are showing good signs and if we can keep improving, it is exciting for us”.
Man of the match Dele Alli was joined by several fresh faces on worldwide duty including Eric Dier, John Stones, Ross Barkley, Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy.
Memphis Depay is reportedly being lined up to replace Anthony Martial, who is expected to miss Manchester United’s clash with Watford through injury.
Martial has scored five goals for United since his £36million move from Monaco and, with strikers in short supply at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal can not afford to lose the Frenchman for too long.
“It is the circumstances also, but still I have congratulated him with his promotion so it is always fine to see how players are developing and because of that he is rewarded”.
Hodgson will give his sidelined players a chance to impress in the new year when they return from the treatment room, but the England manager has warned that there is a limit to his loyalty to them.
“I would never be able to pick a team on loyalty alone”.
“I guess with any luck we will get that afternoon but it will have to be discussed with the clubs to make sure they think it is an afternoon that is right for them because I and (assistant) Ray Lewington are full timers and can go any time it suits them”.
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The 22-year-old fought back from his injury troubles and grabbed his opportunities with both hands this season to secure a place in Van Gaal’s first team squad in the last few weeks.
