Five things we learned in the opening games at the Euros

England and Wales had contrasting fortunes in France...

1. Wayne Rooney can operate in midfield for England

It was one of the big questions going into this tournament; how would Wayne Rooney fit into Roy Hodgson’s starting line-up? The England manager has constantly backed his captain and as such his place in the XI was rarely doubted. However, few would have foreseen how much Rooney would thrive as part of a midfield three. Alongside the youthful Dele Alli and Eric Dier, Rooney was able to dictate England’s opener against Russia with consummate ease. The 30-year-old said afterwards he never doubted his ability to play the role, having operated for Manchester United there this season. However, his commanding performance will have pleased Hodgson. The Rooney critics have disappeared and now is the time for the England captain to make his mark on a major tournament for the first time since 2004.