Wayne Rooney suggests there is far too much emphasis being placed on his midfield role with the England national team.

The Manchester United again operated further away from goal as Sam Allardyce oversaw a last-gasp 1-0 win over Slovakia in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

After the match, Rooney spoke out about the spotlight that continues to shine on the position he holds in midfield which has pundits, critics and supporters around England divided.

"Too much is getting made about it," he told Sky Sports.

"Listen, I'm playing on the pitch for England. I'm captain of the team and I feel I can do a very good job in the role I played tonight.

"I feel too much is getting made. It's headlines for a lot of people, but of course it's about the team and about us winning. I played in that role and helped us win the game.

"I've done it my whole career and suddenly it's big news. It's not a big thing and I think there's a big over-reaction to it.

"I am happy where I'm playing and I think I'm doing a good job."

Liverpool attacking midfielder Adam Lallana scored his first international goal when firing between the legs of Slovakia keeper Matus Kozacik in the 95th minute in Trnava to get things off to a winning start in Group F.