England had to line up against Estonia without Wayne Rooney, who was missing with an ankle knock and Harry Kane was chosen to lead the line in his absence.
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If Rooney misses the match, Hodgson has plenty of replacements available.
“I would be devastated if we pushed him out there and something happened to increase the problem he has with his ankle”.
That didn’t stop him doing his captain’s duty though, as he offered the midfielder a few words of wisdom and encouragement before he took on the likes of fellow Blues Phil Jagielka and Ross Barkley.
While Rooney will miss both of the games, his United colleague Michael Carrick is fit and likely to start against Estonia at Wembley tonight.
England’s greatest ever goalscorer Wayne Rooney is to be honoured with a Golden Boot at Wembley on Friday evening, per the FA’s official website.
It has been well documented I have wanted to play up front and Arsenal have given me the opportunity, which is great.
The Three Lions skipper hit his 50th goal for his country against Switzerland last month to break Sir Bobby Charlton’s long-standing record. I don’t think we can use the excuse of burn-out.
“We hope he does for us what I’ve seen him do for Arsenal”, Hodgson added.
Hodgson does not care if he is putting England’s world ranking – and seeding for France – in jeopardy by pitting his young side against such tough opposition. We’re talking about world-class level sport where there are other teams who prepare very well and their whole lives revolve around winning it. It’s hard, but it’s down to us.
Kane failed to sort his feet out in time to divert Nathaniel Clyne’s cross towards goal early in the second half, the Tottenham man then unable to make the most of Aksalu’s parry from Lallana’s free-kick.
The fact Rooney won’t play will be a major letdown for England fans – more than 75,000 tickets have already been sold.
Barkley landed his next shot – another high drive – on goal but the Estonian keeper scrambled to his right and tipped it over the bar.
“We’ve won all our qualifying games and we’re going to look to win the tournament”.
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The hosts were dominating proceedings without exerting any real energy, with Lallana’s deflected attempt and stand-in captain Gary Cahill’s wayward header the best they could muster as a subdued encounter rolled on.
