Wayne Rooney: England striker will miss the friendly against Norway but may face Belgium

Roy Hodgson has confirmed Wayne Rooney will sit out England's friendly against Norway after revealing the Manchester United striker has been carrying in injury in recent weeks.

Rooney has been included in new England coach Hodgson's 23-man squad for Euro 2012 despite being suspended for the first two group games against France and Sweden.

However, he is an essential part of Hodgson's plans in Poland and Ukraine, and he was offered the opportunity to have an extended rest prior to the tournament.

The 26-year-old will not be involved in the game against Norway in Oslo next Saturday, but will return to training with the squad in time to be considered against Belgium at Wembley on 2nd June.

Hodgson had been keen for Rooney to be given the chance to shake off a minor injury and is pleased the forward wants to be involved as soon as possible.

Enthusiasm

"Wayne has been playing with a minor injury for the last three or four games which needed a couple of weeks to clear up," said Hodgson.

"He won't be involved in the Norway game and I don't know whether I will select him for Belgium at this stage.

"I offered him a couple more days' rest but he was adamant he wanted to be part of it when we meet up for the Belgium game.

"The fitness side doesn't bother me. If he needs a bit of topping up we will do that. But his enthusiasm for the task was fantastic."