England boss Roy Hodgson: 'It's been a difficult time for Wayne Rooney'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 05 November 2015

England manager Roy Hodgson says that he was pleased to see Wayne Rooney score in midweek following a "difficult time" at Manchester United.

England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that he was happy to see Wayne Rooney score for Manchester United in midweek following a "difficult time" for the captain.

Rooney, who has scored seven goals in all competitions for his club so far this season, has faced criticism for his performances.

On Tuesday night, the 30-year-old netted the only goal in United's win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

On an international level, Rooney recently became England's all-time leading scorer by netting 50, breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's record.

"It was good to see him score a goal [against CSKA]," Hodgson told reporters. "It has been a difficult time for him so it was nice to see the other night he scored a crucial goal in a Champions League match. I congratulate him on that.

"He just turned 30 which is a milestone, he equalled Denis Law's record - another milestone, so this autumn has been a great milestone period for him and I rejoice with him."

Rooney has been named in Hodgson's 23-man squad for next week's friendlies against Spain and France.