Rooney just can’t stop scoring

LONDON

England manager Roy Hodgson admitted that his side’s 3-1 friendly victory over Scotland in Glasgow had been slightly tarnished by antagonistic chanting from the away supporters.

Wayne Rooney scored twice and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also found the target in Tuesday’s game at Celtic Park as England recorded a sixth win in six games.

But England’s fans could be heard chanting about the IRA (Irish Republican Army), the paramilitary group responsible for hundreds of deaths during the Irish Troubles, in an apparent bid to rile rival supporters at the home of Celtic, who have a historic association with the Irish community.

It came after Scotland’s supporters had booed ‘God Save the Queen’, the British national anthem, but Hodgson told his post-match press conference: “I don’t condone any chanting, I’ve got to say.
“My concentration was on the football match. I was aware the crowd were tremendously supportive. I didn’t have a clue what they were chanting. I heard a few about (Scotland manager) Gordon Strachan. “But unfortunately, chanting and people singing songs which no-one in football condones goes on. I don’t condone it.

“If anyone was offended, I’m sure the FA (Football Association) would apologise to them. All we can do is play our football and hope our fans behave themselves and enjoy our football.”

THREE GOALS SHORT
Rooney’s brace, either side of a late strike by Scotland left-back Andy Robertson, took his tally of international goals to 46, leaving the Manchester United striker three goals short of Bobby Charlton’s record.

“His game is improving all the time, and there was more to his play today (Tuesday) than the two goals. There were many positive points to his game,” Hodgson said.

“Records and milestones are important. It must be nice for him to think he’ll see his name at the top of the list, and a record number of caps is in his sights, too. “He must keep his fitness, but he won’t be the first one to retire from football.”

Hodgson’s evening was not without disappointment, however, amid news that Liverpool’s England striker Daniel Sturridge has suffered a setback in his attempt to recover from a thigh injury.

When informed of the news, Hodgson responded by saying: “Has he? That’s really bad news.

“The only positive for that is we don’t play again until March. That’s a massive blow for Liverpool. I hope, by March, he will be OK.”

Hodgson also revealed that Jordan Henderson, Luke Shaw and Danny Welbeck had received minor injury scares.