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.

In his first appearance since receiving the captain’s armband full time, Wayne Rooney’s penalty gave England a 1-0 win over Norway.

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.

Wayne Rooney hopes to end England’s half century of failure and captain the Three Lions to some elusive silverware.

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.

Before he has even set foot on a pitch as a Manchester United player, British record signing Angel Di Maria has been touted a miracle worker but he has big names to emulate having been given the famous no. 7 shirt.

Roy Hodgson named the 28-year-old England skipper on Thursday ahead of their friendly against Norway next Wednesday, as the team prepares for a long Euro 2016 qualifying campaign that begins in Basel against Switzerland on September 8.

Media reports on Friday suggested the 23-year-old was heading for the Old Trafford exit door, with captain Wayne Rooney and fit again Robin van Persie set for the starting line-up against Sunderland on Sunday although manager Van Gaal has problems with a depleted midfield.