Rooney ruffled, but says game changed 'for the best'

A prickly Wayne Rooney claimed his game has "changed for the best" as he faces the biggest fight of his 13-year international career to hold onto his England place at Euro 2016.

England's talisman ever since he burst onto the scene as a gifted 18-year-old at Euro 2004, Rooney has gone to five major tournaments as one of the first names on the team-sheet.

But competition from emerging stars such as Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, coupled with doubts about his own form and fitness, mean that England's all-time record goal-scorer is no longer an automatic pick.

Rooney is hoping to line up alongside Kane and Vardy when England face Russia at Marseille's Stade Velodrome on Saturday.

But 12 years after his competition debut, the player once dubbed the 'White Pele' has lost some of his shine.

A question on his recent switch to an attacking midfield position rather than as an out-and-out striker appeared to ruffle the 30-year-old as he spoke to media on Friday.

But Rooney hit back: "Everyone who watches the game of football is entitled to their opinions. I know the qualities I have and, to be honest, I don't have to sit here and defend myself.

"I have played this game for a lot of years and I am aware my game has changed slightly over the years and, in my opinion, it has changed for the better.

"Everyone of course is entitled to their opinions but the opinions which matter to me are those of my coaches and my team-mates."

- Brimming with youth -

England manager Roy Hodgson has assembled the youngest England squad at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, putting faith in youngsters such as striker Marcus Rashford, 18, centre-back Chris Smalling, 25, 26-year-old right-back Kyle Walker and Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli, 20.

Alli, as well as Everton's Ross Barkley, have encroached onto Rooney's territory as chief creator in midfield, and there are also doubts about his ability to press with the same intensity as his younger rivals.

Hodgson has toed a diplomatic line with regard to his captain's status, defending Rooney's right to a place in the squad but stating that he cannot consider himself a guaranteed starter.

Rooney, meanwhile, indicated he would be happy to play in any position.

"My favourite position is being on the pitch, to be honest with you," he said.

"Over the last few months for Manchester United I've played midfield, that's the natural way of football. I can play there and further my career there as well."

England's sole triumph at a major finals was winning the World Cup in 1966 and their last semi-final appearance came 20 years ago at Euro 96 when eventual winners Germany reached the final following Gareth Southgate's penalty miss for the tournament hosts.

Asked his ambition in France, Rooney added: "My ambition is for us to do as well as we can, and try and win it. We believe we've got the quality to do very well in this tournament.

"It starts for England tomorrow night, and we're looking forward to it."