Roy Hodgson has no intention of telling his Chelsea contingent to steer clear of Wayne Rooney next week.
With the full backing of Manchester United manager David Moyes, Hodgson has included Rooney in his England squad for next week's friendly with Scotland even though the striker has yet to play a competitive game during pre-season due to hamstring and shoulder injuries.
Whilst the move suits all parties given Rooney's obvious lack of match practice but importance within the Three Lions fold, it does expose the 27-year-old to contact with senior players at Chelsea, who have seen their interest in the striker rebuffed by United this summer.
Yet Hodgson can see little point in warning his Chelsea contingent to steer clear of Rooney, particularly as Ashley Cole is a close personal friend of the former Everton man.
"That might be difficult," said Hodgson.
"Ashley Cole and Wayne are quite close friends. David Moyes must know that as well.
"If they weren't speaking in a hotel, they would be speaking on the telephone.
"I must say my thoughts have been so focused on what squad I can get together that I haven't taken it into real consideration.
"That's not to say I shouldn't and I do accept a duty of care because both David Moyes and Jose Mourinho have been fully supportive and understand my situation."
It might amount to the same thing, but Hodgson's stance stems from a need to maintain focus on England's last game before crucial World Cup qualifiers in September and October rather than talk about which club his talisman will be at by the time the national side reconvenes next month.
Source: PA
