Hodgson’s galvanised side show hunger and commitment

England are through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 having finished top, yes top, of Group D.

Optimism and resilience abounds, and with each match that goes by there is a growing feeling that manager Roy Hodgson is sprinkled with a dash of stardust.

Blessed with a touch of luck, too, considering that Ukraine appeared to have scored after 62 minutes but John Terry hooked the ball away and the officials deemed it had not crossed the line.

Yet more proof, if FIFA president Sepp Blatter would only show some much-needed leadership, that goal-line technology is required – yesterday.

But back to Hodgson. In a commendable draw with France he showed how caution and meticulous attention to detail can get the job done.

In a thrilling win against Sweden, his players raised the bar on expectation with the bold selection of Andy Carroll and the inspired substitution of Theo Walcott.

Against Ukraine the football was anything but pretty but the England spirit again was willing and the hunger and commitment were impressive.

True, Rooney did not exactly ride into England’s Euro 2012 challenge like a latter-day Sir Lancelot.

Hodgson had been talking of the Manchester United striker in terms of Pele. Hodgson even allowed himself another dream just minutes before kick-off.

“We hope he’s going to play like Wayne Rooney,” he said.

In truth, Rooney played nothing like Rooney, nothing like the player who so often supplies the verve and the imagination for Manchester United.

Nothing like the force he was in this tournament in 2004 when injury curtailed what promised to be one of the great campaigns by a then-teenager.

Rooney was sloppy. His control was wanting, his passing awry, his timing a notch or two below full bore. After serving his two-match suspension the flakes of rust clung to his every move.

But his first-half miss did not blunt his ability to get into the right place at the right time, and Rooney’s instinct ultimately enabled England to reach the quarter-finals.

Two things are certain. This England, Hodgson’s England, are desperately difficult to beat. And rusty Rooney will only get better.