Home from home: Hodgson praised the England support in Donetsk

'Most people didn't think we'd get out of the group. We've won it on points instead of goal difference as well.

'This was an away game with a capital "A": there were 60,000 people in and only 4,000 brave England fans. When we needed a bit of luck, when the ball may have crossed the line, we got a bit of luck and went on to win the match.'

Hodgson, who had just two matches in charge before the start of the tournament, stressed his team were a work in progress. He was, though, pleased that Rooney made a goalscoring return from a two-match suspension.

'This is a fledgling team as far as I'm concerned,' he told ITV1. 'But we're working at our game and showing composure on the ball and in attacking areas is always the most difficult part.

'That's where you need your Wayne Rooneys. This game will be good for him.

'He played well, worked hard and could have had several other goals. On the counter we were dangerous enough but we could have been more dangerous.'

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