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The blame game: Wayne Rooney points finger at Roy Hodgson for England’s Euro 2016 woe

The Three Lions, who are now led by Sam Allardyce, suffered a shock last 16 exit at the tournament in France at the hands of Iceland

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Wayne Rooney and Roy Hodgson in November 2015. Photo: Reuters
Agence France-Presse

Wayne Rooney has blamed England’s Euro 2016 humiliation on Roy Hodgson’s unsuccessful selection gamble.

Hodgson made six changes for England’s final group match against Slovakia and the subsequent goalless draw cost England first place in their group.

England captain Rooney was one of those rested by Hodgson and the Manchester United forward says the loss of momentum caused by Hodgson’s decision was instrumental in the team’s stunning last 16 defeat against minnows Iceland.

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“I wouldn’t have rested six players. It’s more than half the team. It was a gamble and it didn’t pay off,” Rooney said.

England's Joe Hart after the defeat by Iceland. Photo: Reuters
England's Joe Hart after the defeat by Iceland. Photo: Reuters
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“We had lost momentum from the Slovakia game and tournament football is about confidence. You get that from winning.

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