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Rooney: England 100% behind Hodgson

Wayne Rooney says the England squad are "100%" behind manager Roy Hodgson as they get set to open their Euro 2016 qualification campaign in Switzerland.

Hodgson has been unequivocally backed by the FA despite England's dismal World Cup campaign that saw them eliminated with a group game to spare and he is now under pressure to secure a win at St Jakob-Park this evening.

But Rooney, who has taken the armband from Steven Gerrard following the former captain's international retirement, said: "Us as a team, not just myself, we back Roy 100%.

Wayne Rooney and Roy Hodgson look on during England training © Getty Images

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"We made that clear after we went out of the World Cup - he brings ideas to us. We know that the World Cup was a disappointment, but I still feel we can move forward as a team.

"We're progressing all the time. I think that will show in the next two years. The lads are working hard to get the best out of the ideas Roy is showing us."

Hodgson has mounting injury problems with Daniel Sturridge already ruled out and his Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson a doubt after being taken off in training on Sunday night with a knock to his right leg.

Henderson had been expected to continue his partnership with Arsenal's Jack Wilshere in midfield, with James Milner expected to come in if required.

The England manager also faced criticism after the dull display in Wednesday's 1-0 friendly win over Norway at Wembley, however, Hodgson said on Sunday that he doesn't care about winning any popularity contests.

"Popularity doesn't really mean much to me," said Hodgson. "I've never been interested with being popular with players. Am I seeing the nasty side of the job? No. There is no nasty side.

"I love this job. It's a magnificent job. It's the pinnacle of any coaching career. After the World Cup and the enormous disappointment that followed, there may have been a slight swing in popularity and I'd have been surprised had there not been.

"I want to be respected by the players for the job I do. That's all that bothers me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd