Wayne Rooney still has an important role to play in manager Gareth Southgate's England squad, former national manager Roy Hodgson has said after the striker's leadership was recently called into question.

Gareth Southgate will lead England towards the 2018 World Cup and 2020 European Championship after being appointed permanent manager of the national team by the FA on Wednesday.

Gareth Southgate has been offered the England manager's job and could be confirmed in the role as early as Monday, according to British newspaper reports on Thursday.

Bookmakers' favourite Gareth Southgate was on Thursday reportedly ruled out of taking over as Roy Hodgson's successor as England manager.