Wayne Rooney hails 'exciting' young England squad
Wednesday 18 November 2015 23:40, UK
Wayne Rooney says it is an exciting time for England with a host of young players breaking into the squad.
The likes of Dele Alli and Eric Dier produced impressive displays as the England beat France 2-0 at Wembley on Tuesday.
Six months ago, 19-year-old Alli was playing League One football for MK Dons, but the midfielder didn't look out of place on his full international debut at Wembley, scoring the opening goal with a spectacular strike from 25 yards out.
And Rooney believes there is a group of exciting players coming through the England ranks who have the potential to become international stars.
"That is what I have been saying throughout the last 18 months,"Rooney said. "I know the World Cup was not great, but before the World Cup you could see the players who were coming through and training with us and I think we have come together since that World Cup and shown good signs.
"We have to get better, of course, but we are showing good signs and if we can keep improving, it is exciting for us."
Rooney, who made his England debut at the age of 17, was particularly impressed by the performances of Alli and Spurs team-mate Eric Dier at Wembley.
"They handled themselves brilliantly on a difficult occasion," said Rooney.
"Obviously they are excited to be playing - a lot of them making their first starts for England. But it was a difficult match to come into. You have to praise them for the way they handled themselves and the way they performed was fantastic.
"I thought Dele Alli and Eric Dier did fantastically well. Dele got his goal and it was a good victory.
"Since I have been in the squad I don't think there have been so many young players. It is really exciting."
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