Rooney warns Harry Kane to expect some rough treatment

Wayne Rooney warned Harry Kane to expect a baptism of fire on his first start for England.

Rooney claimed Italy’s defenders will “do anything to stop” opponents as England face their biggest test to date since last summer’s World Cup.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson will use an experimental line-up with Theo Walcott partnering Kane up front and Phil Jones operating in a midfield holding role.

England captain Rooney admits even he is excited to see Kane make his full debut after his supersub appearance at Wembley - but warned him to expect some rough punishment.

Rooney said: “With Italian defenders, they’re clever defenders. They do anything to try and stop you and you have to be aware of that, and not be frustrated.

“I think it’s a passionate country who love their football, probably the closest in Europe to South American teams. They’ll do anything to stop you.

“They’re tough to play against, organised, make it as difficult to play against as possible. They’re the best in Europe at doing that.”

Rooney will play at the top of England’s midfield diamond formation while Manchester United defender Jones has played in midfield before for England under Fabio Capello when they beat Spain in 2011.

Rooney added: “I’m as excited as everyone in the country. He’s had an unbelievable season. Going into the season there were questions whether he would start for Tottenham.

“After getting his goal on Friday, I bet he can’t wait to get out on the pitch and try and get another goal. It’s great for English football to have someone scoring so regularly in the Premier League and getting a goal on debut at international level.

“It’s an exciting time for him and all of us. At the minute, what Harry is doing he must continue doing. He’s taking the ball and running at the defenders, getting shots at goal.

“That’s all he has to do tomorrow. I’m sure if he does that the way he has been, he’ll be fine.”