Manager Roy Hodgson hails England's 3-0 win over Peru in their last match before FIFA World Cup
Wayne Rooney on the ball during England's international friendly against Peru at Wembley Stadium on Friday. Pic/Getty Images
London: Roy Hodgson hailed England's 3-0 win over Peru as the perfect World Cup send-off. Daniel Sturridge hit a stunning opener before Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka scored in the second half in England's final game on home soil before the World Cup.
Wayne Rooney on the ball during England's international friendly against Peru at Wembley Stadium on Friday. Pic/Getty Images
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Some of England's play in the first half at a near-full Wembley was laboured. Wayne Rooney was lacking match sharpness and had it not been for a good performance from Joe Hart, Peru would have got the goal they probably deserved.
Still, Hodgson was happy to sign off with a win ahead of next week's training camp in Miami, where England will play Ecuador and Honduras.
Wonderful send-off
"It is the perfect end to a perfect two weeks," the England manager said. "It was a wonderful send-off to the World Cup by a quite incredible crowd.
"It didn't look as if it would be too comfortable in the first half, but as soon as Daniel scored that wonderful goal the game wasn't in doubt.
"To do it in front of 85,000 people was a great send-off, the atmosphere was a vote of confidence. "When you play against teams with 10 men behind the ball you have to be patient but I had no doubt we would win."
Rooney put in a typically industrious performance — at one point he dashed to the right-back position to put in a crunching tackle. But the Manchester United striker offered little at the other end of the pitch.
The 28-year-old failed to test the Peru goalkeeper and some of his passing was not up to his high standards.
'Rooney is progressing'
But Hodgson had no complaints about the striker, who missed Manchester United's final three games of the season with a groin injury.
"I was happy with Wayne Rooney's performance," said the England boss, who brought Rooney off in the 66th minute.
"Rooney and (Steven) Gerrard are important members of our squad, and 3-0 seemed an opportunity to give younger ones a go.
"We think (Rooney's) fitness is progressing. "I don't have any fears in that respect. His attitude and commitment are first class, even in a game of this nature. He has two more weeks to keep that going.
"I'm very pleased with the options I've got in my strike force."
1966
The year in which England lifted the FIFA World Cup. They are yet to reclaim the title
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