Rooney to start on bench in Spain while Vardy is a doubt

Roy Hodgson has confirmed that England captain Wayne Rooney will not start against Spain on Friday night.

The Three Lions take on the current European champions in a friendly in Alicante as they continue their preparations for next summer's Finals.

Speaking to the press on Thursday, Hodgson also revealed that in-form striker Jamie Vardy is a doubt due to injury.

Vardy, who has scored in nine consecutive Premier League games, suffered a knock while playing for Leicester against Watford last weekend, while Rooney is set to be rested with France up next at Wembley on Tuesday. 

And Hodgson said he is keen to use the two games - their last until March next year - as a chance to assess key combinations within his team, which means Harry Kane and Ross Barkley may start. 

"It would be good if we can spare as many players as possible having to play the two games at this stage of the season," said Hodgson. 

"At the front we've got Wayne and Jamie Vardy, we've got Harry Kane and Ross Barkley there that interest me. At the back, at centre-back for example, we have interesting combinations, so we are likely to be making changes in that respect.

Jamie Vardy is a doubt for Friday's game in Spain

"We are going to use the two games to look at various combinations of players playing together.

"Wayne won't start the game tomorrow, for the simple reason we are looking at various combinations among that group of four players. Wayne is pencilled in to play against France on Tuesday." 

Hodgson added: "Jamie Vardy is struggling with a knock he picked up on Saturday. We are monitoring it, but it looks unlikely he will be able to play tomorrow." 

The absence of Rooney, who has scored a record 50 goals in 107 international appearances, could leave England short on experience against the Spanish.

But the Manchester United skipper still believes those selected can take their chance to shine and cause Vicente Del Bosque's side problems. 

"It's a tough game for us, a big test against Spain," said Rooney. 

"But it's one we are looking forward to. We know we have the quality in the squad to give Spain a good game. 

Rooney collected his golden boot last month after scoring his 50th for England

"It's an important game in our preparation and hopefully we can get a good result. Spain are a very good team, with lots of very good players, so we have to work hard and do our best to try and win." 

He continued: "Then we have France and we have to concentrate on these two games. They are going to be a bigger test than what we had in the qualifiers. 

"You never know what is going to happen next summer, so we have to perform and try and learn the way we want to play. 

"We know we have a good, exciting squad of players, but also a young squad with room to improve.

"The manager and myself can see that we need to improve if we are to compete at the tournament. 

"That is what we are trying to do in the training sessions and upcoming games, to get to that next level that would give us a chance to win the tournament."

Tickets for the game against Euro 2016 hosts France at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday 17 November are available to buy online from TheFA.com/tickets.