Deschamps plays down injury for Man Utd striker Martial

England captain Wayne Rooney has praised England’s newcomers after his nation’s two worldwide friendlies.

“That is what I have been saying throughout the last 18 months”, said the Manchester United striker said.

“Is Martial indispensable? I do not think there is an indispensable player in this team”. “We have to get better, of course, but we are showing good signs and if we can keep improving, it is exciting for us”.

Alli and Dier were not the only young stars on the Wembley turf.

Before we all start crying hysterically, it’s worth noting that France manager Didier Deschamps declared Martial’s injury was simply a knock.

Martial has scored five goals for United since his £36million move from Monaco and, with strikers in short supply at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal can not afford to lose the Frenchman for too long.

For that reason, Rooney hopes his team-mate will be back in action soon, if not in time for Saturday’s trip to Watford.

Rooney was brought on as a second half substitute in England’s loss to Spain and played on the wing in the win over France. However, it is overall ability to run in behind defences and stretch the play that has made him a constant threat, and so a switch up front with Rooney playing behind could potentially give United an edge to their play.

Hodgson will give his sidelined players a chance to impress in the new year when they return from the treatment room, but the England manager has warned that there is a limit to his loyalty to them.

“I would never be able to pick a team on loyalty alone”.

‘He is the ultimate professional, ‘ said Hodgson.

“I guess with any luck we will get that afternoon but it will have to be discussed with the clubs to make sure they think it is an afternoon that is right for them because I and (assistant) Ray Lewington are full timers and can go any time it suits them”.