England boss Roy Hodgson has leapt to the defence of Wayne Rooney for his performance in their World Cup defeat to Italy in Manaus this morning.

Goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli, either side of a Daniel Sturridge equaliser, consigned the Three Lions to a 2-1 defeat in their Group D opener.

Rooney, who bagged an assist in setting up Sturridge's tap-in, started the clash on the wing and Hodgson has dismissed claims that the Manchester United ace looked 'uncomfortable' on the flank.

"I think it's very harsh to say he didn't look comfortable on the left," he told BBC Sport.

"I thought he actually did very well and set up our goal with a fine piece of play. We know we can play Wayne in many different positions and I think he has to be pretty satisfied with his performance.

"It's looking for things to suggest he didn't do well in that position because I think he did."

England continue their campaign by facing Uruguay on Thursday.

Written by
Shane Callaghan