Rooney’s opening goal in the Three Lions’ 4-0 European Championship qualifying victory against Lithuania at Wembley on Friday night edged the Manchester United striker to within two goals of Old Trafford legend Sir Bobby Charlton’s all- time England record of 49.
But Hodgson insisted that, although Rooney, 29, will always be remembered by future generations for his great performances, to be deemed a great means winning things at the highest international level.
As he prepared his side for the friendly against Italy in Turin on Tuesday night, the England manager stated: “Bobby Charlton was arguably England’s best ever player.
‘‘If Wayne can break into that in the future when he stops playing then that’s fantastic for him.
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Roy Hodgson has challenged Wayne Rooney to emulate Bobby Charlton
Bobby Charlton is up on a pedestal and it will take time for any of the modern England players to get up to that level
Roy Hodgson
“Bobby Charlton is up on a pedestal and it will take time for any of the modern England players to get up to that level.
“To do it I suppose the player would have to be very successful at European Championship or World Cup level as Bobby Charlton was.
“Scoring the goals Wayne has is a great achievement, too, but ideally goals have to come with success but Wayne will be remembered. We haven’t got that many players who have played 100 games for England.
“We haven’t got that many players who have captained England.”
Because of England’s growing list of injuries Rooney is likely to have Tottenham’s Harry Kane alongside him against Italy.
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