England coach Roy Hodgson says they need to dampen expectations around Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

He reckons the nation needs to take a reality check going into this week's Wembley meeting with World Cup whipping boys San Marino.

Hodgson said: "It's really good to see Wayne back so fit and enthusiastic because we always need a player of his exceptional ability.

"But we put players like Wayne under an enormous amount of scrutiny and pressure.

"And the moment he doesn't play like a genius we write him off as hopeless.

"It was difficult for him at the Euros because we had that waiting period when he was suspended.

"When he finally got on to the field we were expecting him to be some sort of messiah."