With just under a month to go until England boss Roy Hodgson announces his squad for this summer’s Euro 2016 tournament in France, the race for places is hotting up.

Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph says he understands what the fans want, insisting he is looking to put an injury-hit start to life at the Etihad firmly behind him.

Chris Smalling has been a revelation for Manchester United this season and has fully deserved plaudits for his consistent displays.

Manchester City’s Joe Hart has for a long time been comfortable in his position as first-choice goalkeeper for both club and country, safe in his role and untroubled by underwhelming competition.

Fomer skipper David Beckham is convinced Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is the ideal man to finally deliver major championship success for England at this summer’s European Championships in France.

Manchester United’s 2-1 Champions League defeat away to PSV Eindhoven was compounded by Luke Shaw’s awful double leg fracture.

Wayne Rooney became England’s all-time top goalscorer last night, converting a penalty against Switzerland to register for the 50th time in internationals, moving past Sir Bobby Charlton’s 45-year-old benchmark.

With no World Cup or European championship on the menu this summer, Manchester’s soccer stars will be jetting off on their holidays before pre-season training commences in mid-July.

England duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have impressed in United’s last two Premier League fixtures – victories over Tottenham and Liverpool respectively – that have put Champions League qualification well within their grasp.

The Manchester United and England captain will make his 100th cap when Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions take on Slovenia at Wembley on Saturday.

England manager Roy Hodgson’s comments this weekend on the ‘burden’ of captaincy on Wayne Rooney raises serious questions about his recent performances and whether there is anyone better for the job.