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Hodgson: I've apologised to Rooney

Wayne Rooney speaks to the press as Roy Hodgson watches on © Getty Images

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Roy Hodgson says he has apologised to Wayne Rooney over his comment about the England captain's Scouse accent.

England manager Hodgson had been defending Rooney's ability to inspire his team-mates when he said last week that the striker's "Liverpool accent" may affect his willingness to give speeches to large groups.

"Wayne knows I would never wish to offend him or anyone from Liverpool - my wife is from there," Hodgson told his pre-match press conference ahead of England's Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino on Thursday night.

"I apologised to him for the headlines but he didn't even want one."

It certainly appeared Rooney had not taken any offence from his manager's remarks as he laughed alongside Hodgson at the press conference.

Hodgson also quipped: "I've had no problem with my wife."

Meanwhile, Rooney also insisted his former Manchester United team-mate Danny Welbeck deserves more credit.

Welbeck scored both goals in England's opening 2-0 win against Switzerland last month, following his £16 million move to Arsenal on deadline day.

He has since scored four goals for his new club, including a hat-trick in their 4-1 Champions League win against Galatasaray, and Rooney believes the striker is proving his doubters wrong.

"He's a fantastic footballer, I think sometimes he doesn't get enough praise for his footballing ability," Rooney said of Welbeck.

"The more he plays for Arsenal, he'll prove what a good footballer he is, and for England. For me, he's a top, top player."

Hodgson also feels England can gain from Welbeck's move to Arsenal, with the striker now getting the first-team opportunities that he found hard to come by at United.

"I'm pleased for him," said Hodgson. "He's been in my plans throughout the two years, he was with us in 2012.

"He's someone I follow very, very closely. He hasn't got an enormous amount of game time, and he's had to spend a lot of time waiting for his chance.

"Now it's great he's got his move and to be one of the first names on the team sheet."

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