England boss Roy Hodgson has announced captain Wayne Rooney will not start tomorrow's friendly against Spain in Alicante.
Hodgson moved to quash any potential speculation over his decision , insisting he is simply keen to give all of England's forward players a chance to press their case ahead of Euro 2016.
Manchester United striker Rooney will, fitness permitting, instead feature against France next Tuesday.
Hodgson said: "Wayne's with me today because he's the captain of our team, he's the most important figure as a result, but he actually won't start the game tomorrow.
"I'm telling you that because Wayne and I are very anxious that we're not trying to fool anybody or bamboozle anybody when he's sat alongside me.
"That's for the very simple reason that we're looking at various combinations.
"Wayne is pencilled in against France on Tuesday."
Rooney understands the need to rotate the squad, adding: "It's important especially in these games that the manager has a chance to see as many players as he can before the tournament in the summer.
"As a player you want to play but you have understand that there are bigger things to consider."
Fellow striker Jamie Vardy, who has scored in his last nine Premier League matches, is doubtful due to a niggle he picked up in Leicester's victory over Watford.
Hodgson added: "Jamie Vardy is struggling with a knock he picked up on Saturday. We're monitoring it, we're still working on it but it looks unlikely at this moment in time that he'll be able to play tomorrow."
Source: PA
