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Euro 2012: Wayne Rooney is 'not at his best' says Hodgson
WAYNE ROONEY’S fitness was defended here last night, but Roy Hodgson admitted England’s talisman fell below expectations against Italy.
Rooney failed again to make an impact at a tournament, having been banned for the first two matches, and his pre-Euros break in Las Vegas might now be questioned.
But Hodgson said: “When he missed the first two games, we were believing that what we need is to get to the third game and Wayne will win us the championship. That, maybe, was too much to ask. He certainly tried very hard, but he didn’t have his best game against Italy. I don’t think that fitness itself was a particular factor, though.
Wayne did not show signs of lacking fitness against Ukraine, and played 120 minutes against Italy. When you get to the big stage, you hope world-class stars show they’re world-class talents
“Wayne did not show signs of lacking fitness against Ukraine, and played 120 minutes against Italy. When you get to the big stage, you hope world-class stars show they’re world-class talents.”