Roy Hodgson: 'Wayne Rooney can handle scrutiny'

England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that Wayne Rooney is more than capable of handling any scrutiny over his future.

The Manchester United striker has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in recent weeks, although it was reported on Tuesday that the 27-year-old is now likely to stay at Old Trafford.

"He has been under a lot of scrutiny since he has been 17 years of age," Hodgson told reporters. "If anyone is able to deal with the scrutiny then it's Wayne Rooney."

The forward has been included in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.