Roy Hodgson: Rooney and Kane will start against Italy

Monday 30 Mar 2015
Wayne Rooney and Roy Hodgson arrived at Juventus Stadium

England arrived in Turin on Monday evening and Roy Hodgson confirmed that Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney will both start in the friendly against Italy.

The Three Lions boss, who saw both Kane and Rooney score goals in Friday's win over Lithuania - a debut strike for the Tottenham Hotspur man - says he is looking forward to the prospect of them being on the pitch together.

Italy v England

International Match
7.45pm (BST), Tuesday 31 March 2015
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Live on ITV

After scoring just 80 second after coming on in the 4-0 win at Wembley, Hodgson confirmed the 21-year-old striker will have another chance to impress in his full international bow against the Azzurri at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday night.

And while Italy boss Antonio Conte revealed his full starting line-up for the game, Hodgson declined to offer any more hints around his team, other than his two forwards.

"I can tell you that Harry Kane will make his full debut, playing from the start, and Wayne Rooney will captain the team," said Hodgson as he spoke to the press after a short look around the impressive home of the Italian champions. 

Roy and Wayne speak to the press

 

"I understand why Antonio has [named his team] because this is a friendly match and it's a time to experiment with players.

"But if you really want to know our line-up you will have to wait until tomorrow night when the game kicks off."

He contiued: “It will be nice to see the two of them [Kane and Rooney] on the field together.

Roy Hodgson press in Turin

Hodgson is looking forward to Rooney and Kane playing together

“I am pleased to see them play together from the start in this game and Harry certainly deserves his chance.

“It’s an opportunity for players who haven’t had the chance in the qualifiers to show they deserve their place in the squad and they’re good enough to take the place of other players I’ve been selecting before them.

“We’re really looking forward to the game and we’re taking it very seriously.”

Wayne Rooney

Rooney and his team-mates check out Juventus Stadium

Meanwhile Rooney is relishing the chance to line up with Kane, who has bagged 29 goals in 43 games for Spurs this season.

The Three Lions skipper is himself on a scoring run having bagged in each of the last five games. 

Another one on Tuesday will see him equal a record set by Tommy Lawton in 1938-39, netting in six England games on the bounce.

"I think it is exciting for English football what Harry has done in the Premier League with Tottenham," Rooney said.

"He has done fantastic so hopefully he continues that form with England. It is a big night for him, his first start for England. I am sure he will be excited.

"He will go out and try to give his best and I am obviously excited to play with him and hopefully we can do well to help the team win."

By Jamie Bradbury FA Editor In Turin, Italy