Wayne Rooney has come to the defence of Harry Kane, saying that criticism of the Tottenham Hotspur striker for his seven-game run without scoring was unwarranted and the 22-year-old should be allowed to develop without pressure.

Wayne Rooney has come to the defence of Harry Kane, saying that criticism of the Tottenham Hotspur striker for his seven-game run without scoring was unwarranted and the 22-year-old should be allowed to develop without pressure.

Speaking before England’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland on Tuesday night, Rooney went to unusual lengths to offer support to one of his team-mates. Kane’s goal against San Marino on Saturday brought to an end seven matches without a goal, including three for the Under-21s in June.

Rooney said: “He [Kane] is a great player. I feel he had a fantastic season last season. Everyone needs to slow down a little bit with the criticism or the pressure you’ve tried to put him under early in the season. It’s four games in and you can see the talent he’s got.

San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Show all 13 1 /13 San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Joe Hart His only notable moment was nearly failing to pick up the ball. Perhaps San Marino were intimidated by the magnetism of a two-time Premier League champion? 6 San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Nathaniel Clyne Seemed to have more touches in the opposition area than his own half, he got forward whenever required and dovetailed nicely with Oxlade-Chamberlain. 7 Getty Images San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Phil Jagielka Passed the ball well and won headers as and when required. Couldn’t really contribute any more. 6 Getty Images San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings John Stones Won an exceptionally dubious penalty and even beat three defenders as he broke into the area late in the first half. Well there isn’t much point evaluating his defensive performance is there? 6 Getty Images San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Luke Shaw His crossing forced England’s second goal and he was one of the few attacking options to suggest he could create something or force a chance. 7 Getty Images San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Jonjo Shelvey Showed a neat and tidy passing range from the base of the England midfield, tempering his early desire for raking thirty yarders to help England build attacks and, as the opposition tired, pick holes in their backline. 8 Getty Images San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings James Milner An acceptable performance from an acceptable player, who passed the ball neatly without ever threatening to do anything exciting. 6 Getty Images San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Jamie Vardy Took his opportunity to show Hodgson that being quick does not mean you are worthy of being an international footballer. Showed his lack of composure by picking out a defender when he could have assisted in Rooney’s 50th England goal. 5 San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain After years on the carpet of the Emirates he struggled more than most with the explosive surface in San Marino, but his crossing and pace were still England’s best offensive weapon. 7 Getty Images San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Wayne Rooney Unsurprisingly rather enjoyed playing against these plucky minnows. Finished his penalty neatly before barging around for an hour. 7 Getty Images San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Fabian Delph His introduction brought more attacking verve to England’s midfield, with the Manchester City man showing a willingness to take players on and get forward. 7 San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Theo Walcott Took his chances well, showing the sort of calm precision that both Hodgson and Arsene Wenger will expect if he is to secure a starting role for Arsenal and England. 7 Getty Images San Marino 0 England 6 player ratings Harry Kane An excellent chipped finish for his goal in what was otherwise a quiet cameo from the Spurs man. 7 Getty Images

“We all need to get behind him in this country. He’s a special player and he’ll score goals. I’m sure that goal against San Marino will give him a real boost of confidence. I’m sure in the next coming weeks the goals will come for him. He has to keep doing what he’s doing and no doubt the goals will come.”