Star Roo hands Roy thumbs-up

WAYNE Rooney wants Roy Hodgson to stay on as England manager ­- even as reports suggest the captain will be left on the bench for the final Euro 2016 Group 'B' game against Slovakia.

Outgoing Football Association chairman Greg Dyke said in a radio interview yesterday that "no decision will be taken until this tournament is over" on Hodgson's expiring contract, adding: "If we have done well and we played well then I think he will be renewed."

A semi-final place, or a brave quarter-final defeat to a top team, is Dyke's definition of "doing well". Progress to the last 16 is virtually assured but top spot, and a favourable draw in Paris, is still to play for in tonight's 8pm BST kick-off in St Etienne.

Despite that, widespread reports suggest Hodgson will make six changes including replacing Rooney and Dele Alli with Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere in midfield.

Full-backs Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand and forwards Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy are also reportedly set to start in place of Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.

Rooney was happy to take up Hodgson's cause after Dyke's comments on his future. With the 68-year-old standing next to him in a cramped corner in Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, the captain was hardly likely to call for change but his words had a ring of authenticity that Hodgson is finding a way to connect with his youthful squad.

"Of course, as players, we want him to stay, but that is down to his bosses," said Rooney, repeating Hodgson's own assertion that the final decision lay with the FA. "It shouldn't go unnoticed the amount of young players he's introduced into the squad over the last four years.

"It's a great base for England's future in the next six to eight years."

For his own part, Hodgson appeared slightly frustrated at having to answer questions about theoretical contract renewals from a chairman who will be leaving the post in a matter of weeks.

He did, at least, make it clear that he would like to continue in the role he has held since May 2012, but was happy to direct most enquiries back up the chain of command.

"The fact is my boss will do what my boss wants to do and I will, as an employee, work as an employee until such time as I'm no longer needed," he said.