Roy Hodgson’s men come away from Tallin with the required three points, but did so in the frustratingly laboured manner that England fans have become accustomed to when watching their national side

Hodgson had suggested that the 28-year-old was never going to ‘stand up in front of a lecture room of people’ because of his scouse speech ahead of tonight’s clash with minnows San Marino.

England welcome minnows San Marino to Wembley Stadium this Thursday in their latest Euro 2016 qualifier

Wayne Rooney shined in England’s opening Euro 2016 qualifier last night, leading his team to victory and earning the plaudits of his manager.

Manager Roy Hodgson will be hoping his players can replicate the growth they have shown with their clubs on the international stage so that, with time, patience breeds hope and better results at major tournaments.

Captain Wayne Rooney is not inspiring much optimism ahead of his first competitive match as skipper – claiming England will settle for a point in Switzerland tonight.

Despite scoring the only goal in the friendly against Norway on Wednesday night, the England captain’s performance in an advanced role brought him widespread criticism.

It is not very often fans celebrate the loaning out of a player, but Cleverley’s deadline day departure to Aston Villa had United fans rejoicing like it was 1999.

England captain Wayne Rooney’s penalty gave The Three Lions a 1-0 win against Norway in front of a sparse Wembley attendance of just 40,181.

After yet another disappointing, disheartening and disillusioned World Cup campaign, the international frendlies are back – and so could be the empty seats of Wembley Stadium.

With Rooney’s elevation to England captain his Manchester United appointment, the 28-year-old is arguably achieving greatness before our eyes though all he ever seems to get is criticism.