Hodgson won't tell Rooney to cool it

Rooney was red carded for kicking out at Montenegro's Miodrag Dzudovic in a Euro 2012 qualifier in the same city 17 months ago in a game which ended 2-2.

It resulted in Rooney being banned for the opening two games of Euro 2012 against France and Sweden after initially being handed a three-match suspension.

But Hodgson has no qualms about a repeat show of petulance from the Manchester United star.

Hodgson will speak to all the players on the need to retain discipline but will not single out Rooney.

He said: "I don't think I will speak to him personally on the matter because he is more than aware (of what happened).

"When you have been sent off in a game, you don't forget your sendings off.

"His disciplinary record, ignoring that occasion which he paid dearly for, has actually been very good.

"I will be speaking to all the players. Away matches at this level of football require a lot of discipline, not only tactical discipline but also mental.

"But I won't be singling out Wayne for that. He has not let me down as a player so I have no reason to doubt him."

Rooney hit the headlines after being axed for United's Champions League tie with Real Madrid last week.

But Hodgson sees no reason for the 27-year-old to be lacking in confidence.

Hodgson said: "He's scoring goals isn't he? There's no reason for his confidence to be fragile.

"He's played so many games, he's so experienced."

Montenegro would go five points clear of England if they win in 12 days time but Hodgson is adamant the outcome of the game is not make or break in terms of qualification.

He said: "You have to remember three of our last four games are at home.

"When I say this game is not decisive, what I mean is one team goes through in the group and, if we were to lose the game, and they were to open up a gap, they would be in the ascendancy.

"But it still wouldn't be decisive, as there are too many points left to play for and Montenegro still have to come to Wembley. That's what I mean by 'not decisive'.

"It's very important, extremely important that we play well, and give a good performance. If we can get a good result, of course it will help our cause.

"I'm not prepared to say if we don't win, that's our chances finished. That would be a very foolish thing to do with 12 points left to play for."