Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson insists Everton veteran Wayne Rooney should still be playing for England.

Now 31, Rooney played 42 times during Hodgson's four-year reign as the Three Lions boss. He announced his international retirement after joining Everton.

Today the two will be on opposite sides of a relegation battle at Selhurst Park.

And the Crystal Palace manager said: “Of course I am worried about the threat he poses. Wayne's a top-class player, there's no question about that. His goal record and his appearance record and his achievements, they speak for themselves. He is one of the greatest players I have ever coached."

Hodgson said he exchanged texts with Rooney in August after his decision. He added: “I was a little surprise when he retired, I must admit.

“He knows that because I've spoken to him via. I thought he would try and continue to get to the next World Cup, but these are the decisions players have to make.

“But one thing I do know is England owes him, he owes England nothing, because he gave his all for England and did more than his fair share of what someone could expect for England.

“So when the day comes when he says he wants to retire, even if it surprises a guy like me because I know passionate he is about playing for England, I am very sure he's had good reasons for coming to that decision."