against Lithuania as well as the Estonia clash, Roy
Hodgson has said.
England manager Roy Hodgson has ruled captain Wayne
Rooney out of his side's match against Lithuania on Monday,
meaning he will miss both games during the international break.
The Manchester United striker had already been confirmed as
unavailable for Friday's game against Estonia, where he will
receive a golden boot from Bobby Charlton after breaking the
country's goalscoring record last time out against Switzerland..
Now, though, Hodgson has confirmed he will not be risked for
the Lithuania game either, with England's ticket to Euro 2016
already sealed before their final two qualifiers take place.
"It is a disappointment for Wayne of course," the manager said
ahead of the clash with Estonia. "He is not the type of player
who likes to miss games.
"He received a knock playing against Arsenal, the ankle is
settling down very well but we don't want to risk him.
"He has a lot of Manchester United games ahead and I would be
devastated if something happened out there and increased his
problem. The important thing now is for Wayne to fully recover
from this minor injury and be fully fit the next time Manchester
United play Saturday week.
"It is disappointing for us and for Wayne but good for Gary Cahill
to have the chance to captain the team and the presentation will
still take place to Wayne.
"Wayne has been keen to stay with us and be part of post-
match meetings, and of course he is looking forward to Bobby
Charlton presenting him with his golden boot."
Hodgson was reluctant to comment on the FIFA suspensions of
Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, who the FA continue to back for
the presidency.
He continued: "Everything to do with FIFA and the FA is a
subject and a matter for the board of the FA headed up by Greg
Dyke, whatever they are saying is fine by me.
"I don't want to add my voice on the subject because that is not
my realm of the FA.
"My realm is coaching the England football team."
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