Hodgson MUST not be afraid of Rooney’s reputation – Robson exclusive

England boss Roy Hodgson should not be scared of Wayne Rooney's reputation and must play Daniel Sturridge through the middle, claims Stewart Robson.

The Manchester United striker was ineffectual in the Three Lions' 1-0 win over Denmark and the host's performance notably improved when he was substituted and the in-form Liverpool forward shifted into his preferred role in the centre.

Sturridge immediately excelled in his new role and went on to head home England's winner eight minutes from time leading former Gunner, Robson to say that Hodgson should not cater to Rooney's needs.

"There was a tell tale sign last night that Roy Hodgson was maybe a little bit scared of Wayne Rooney’s reputation because Sturridge had to start out on the left hand side," he told Kick Off.

"The first couple movements Denmark had he had to go defend and he was actually England’s deepest player on two occasions in the first ten minutes. If you’re going to play Wayne Rooney and Sturridge, Wayne Rooney has to play deeper and Sturridge has to play through the middle and right at the top.

"But when you’re playing a front three you can’t play that system. It’s a very difficult system Roy Hodgson’s got to find and it’s got to accommodate Wayne Rooney as the second striker, not as the main striker, he can’t play that role."

Debate has raged over Rooney's qualities with many claiming he has failed to fulfil his potential and is not at the same level as players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale.

And it was a sentiment that Robson agreed with, adding: "Gareth Bale can run past people, he can score goals from nowhere, he's an outstanding player. Wayne Rooney lacks that dynamism at the moment.

"He’s a brilliant passer of the ball and that’s where I see him playing almost as a second centre forward or an attacking midfielder, not as a main centre forward where Roy Hodgson played him last night."