England v Slovenia: Roy Hodgson 'not disappointed in any way'

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Danny Welbeck celebrates against SloveniaImage source, EPA
Image caption,

Welbeck has scored five goals in four Euro 2016 qualifiers for England

Roy Hodgson said he was "not disappointed in any way" with England's performance during their 3-1 Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Slovenia.

England laboured during the first half and fell behind to Jordan Henderson's 57th-minute own goal.

Wayne Rooney marked his 100th cap with the equaliser before two strikes by Danny Welbeck completed the comeback.

Hodgson said: "We're not disappointed in any way about our performance and would be surprised if the crowd were."

Media caption,

Welbeck proud of England response

England remain firmly on course to reach the finals in France after winning each of their four Group E fixtures so far.

But the manner of their display against Slovenia, particularly in the first half, attracted criticism - former England captain Terry Butcher described the display as "tedious".

Hodgson told BBC 5 live: "We were good in the second half. Overall, it was good in terms of keeping our shape and discipline and working hard.

"In the first half it wasn't one of our better performances in terms of making the possession count, getting the penetration and getting enough goal chances from our enormous domination of the game.

"I think we were good value for our 3-1 victory and there were several outstanding individual performances. I don't think anyone can deny that we were more than value for the three points.

"In a football match there are two teams. There's your team doing its best to do the things you've worked on and there's an opposition working hard to stop you."

Image source, PA
Image caption,

Wayne Rooney moved up to joint third in the all-time top-scorers' list for England

Rooney's goal came from the penalty spot after he was tripped by Bostjan Cesar as he burst into the area.

It was the Manchester United's 44th for England and put him level with Jimmy Greaves in the all-time top-scorers' list.

Rooney is five goals behind leading scorer Sir Bobby Charlton, who presented the 29-year-old with a golden cap before kick-off to mark his 100th appearance.

Hodgson said: "I think Wayne enjoyed it very much. He should do.

"First of all, achieving the 100 caps and then receiving the cap from Sir Bobby Charlton must be very special.

"Then captaining the team to victory, scoring and being the orchestrator of the goal, I would think he'd be delighted with that. We're certainly delighted with it."

Hodgson said goalkeeper Joe Hart would not be involved in England's friendly against Scotland on Tuesday and would be allowed to return to Manchester City.

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