Hodgson blasts Capello’s Rooney jibe
Roy Hodgson
Capello appears to have been angered by Rooney's pre-tournament observation that communication within the England dressing room was better because Hodgson had a perfect grasp of the language.
Having seen Rooney underperform at UEFA Euro 2012, Capello pointedly argued that "he only understands Scottish", underlining the 26-year-old's best displays have come for Manchester United.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Hodgson, who has backed Rooney to the hilt throughout the tournament, took Capello to task for his comments.
"Capello is entitled to his opinions, I suppose but I always think it's a bit cheap to kid on a player who was so anxious to do well," he said.
Questions were raised about Rooney's conduct prior to the tournament, particularly a very public holiday in Las Vegas with former Red Devils team-mate Wes Brown.
Hodgson has already dismissed this, and defended his decision to give Rooney an extra week off in the build-up, which meant he missed the friendly win in Norway.
"His (Rooney's) attitude was magnificent," said Hodgson.
"He was putting in extra work because he was concerned he was behind the others having missed the first two games through suspension.
"His desire to do well was enormous and we were trying to put the brakes on.
"In the final game he, along with one or two other players, didn't play to the level he can but that's what football is about.
"If every player was a robot and played at the same level in every game then football would be very simple and we wouldn't need coaches."
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