Roy Hodgson has stressed Wayne Rooney's importance to English football after the forward picked up his 100th cap against Slovenia at Wembley.
The Manchester United striker also scored his 44th goal from the peanlty spot in a 3-1 victory and Hodgson believes that Rooney deserves praise for his efforts.
He told reporters: "He's very important to me and to English football. It was fitting tonight he was able to really get his reward on the night when it's all about him.
"He picks up the cap, but also scores the important first goal and leads England to victory. We're delighted for him."
England are currently six points clear at the top of Group E after four Euro 2016 qualifiers.
